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Access our collection of user-friendly templates for business planning, finance, sales, marketing, and management, designed to assist you in developing strategies for either launching a new business venture or expanding an existing one.

You can use the templates below as a starting point to create your startup business plan or map out how you will expand your existing business. Then meet with a  SCORE mentor to get expert business planning advice and feedback on your business plan.

If writing a full business plan seems overwhelming, start with a one-page Business Model Canvas. Developed by Founder and CEO of Strategyzer, Alexander Osterwalder, it can be used to easily document your business concept.

Download this template to fill out the nine squares focusing on the different building blocks of any business:

  • Value Proposition
  • Customer Segments
  • Customer Relationships
  • Key Activities
  • Key Resources
  • Key Partners
  • Cost Structure
  • Revenue Streams

For help completing the Business Model Canvas Template, contact a SCORE business mentor for guidance

From creating a startup budget to managing cash flow for a growing business, keeping tabs on your business’s finances is essential to success. The templates below will help you monitor and manage your business’s financial situation, create financial projections and seek financing to start or grow your business.

This interactive calculator allows you to provide inputs and see a full estimated repayment schedule to plan your capital needs and cash flow.

A 12-month profit and loss projection, also known as an income statement or statement of earnings, provides a detailed overview of your financial performance over a one-year period. This projection helps you anticipate future financial outcomes by estimating monthly income and expenses, which facilitates informed decision-making and strategic planning. 

If you’re trying to get a loan from a bank, they may ask you for a personal financial statement. You can use this free, downloadable template to document your assets, liabilities and net worth. 

A Personal Financial Statement is a

Marketing helps your business build brand awareness, attract customers and create customer loyalty. Use these templates to forecast sales, develop your marketing strategy and map out your marketing budget and plan.

How healthy is your business? Are you missing out on potential growth opportunities or ignoring areas of weakness? Do you need to hire employees to reach your goals? The following templates will help you assess the state of your business and accomplish important management tasks.

Whether you are starting your business or established and looking to grow, our Business Healthcheck Tool will provide practical information and guidance.

Learn how having a SCORE mentor can be a valuable asset for your business. A SCORE mentor can provide guidance and support in various areas of business, including finance, marketing, and strategy. They can help you navigate challenges and make important decisions based on their expertise and experience. By seeking out a SCORE mentor, you can gain the guidance and support you need to help grow your business and achieve success.

SCORE offers free business mentoring to anyone that wants to start, currently owns, or is planning to close or sell a small business. To initiate the process, input your zip code in the designated area below. Then, complete the mentoring request form on the following page, including as much information as possible about your business. This information is used to match you with a mentor in your area. After submitting the request, you will receive an email from your mentor to arrange your first mentoring session.

Copyright © 2024 SCORE Association, SCORE.org

Funded, in part, through a Cooperative Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration. All opinions, and/or recommendations expressed herein are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the views of the SBA.

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How to Write a Small Business Financial Plan

Stairs leading up to a dollar sign. Represents creating a financial plan to achieve profitability.

Noah Parsons

3 min. read

Updated January 3, 2024

Creating a financial plan is often the most intimidating part of writing a business plan. It’s also one of the most vital. Businesses with well-structured and accurate financial statements in place are more prepared to pitch to investors, receive funding, and achieve long-term success.

Thankfully, you don’t need an accounting degree to successfully put your budget and forecasts together. Here is everything you need to include in your financial plan along with optional performance metrics, specifics for funding, and free templates.

  • Key components of a financial plan

A sound financial plan is made up of six key components that help you easily track and forecast your business financials. They include your:

Sales forecast

What do you expect to sell in a given period? Segment and organize your sales projections with a personalized sales forecast based on your business type.

Subscription sales forecast

While not too different from traditional sales forecasts—there are a few specific terms and calculations you’ll need to know when forecasting sales for a subscription-based business.

Expense budget

Create, review, and revise your expense budget to keep your business on track and more easily predict future expenses.

How to forecast personnel costs

How much do your current, and future, employees’ pay, taxes, and benefits cost your business? Find out by forecasting your personnel costs.

Profit and loss forecast

Track how you make money and how much you spend by listing all of your revenue streams and expenses in your profit and loss statement.

Cash flow forecast

Manage and create projections for the inflow and outflow of cash by building a cash flow statement and forecast.

Balance sheet

Need a snapshot of your business’s financial position? Keep an eye on your assets, liabilities, and equity within the balance sheet.

What to include if you plan to pursue funding

Do you plan to pursue any form of funding or financing? If the answer is yes, then there are a few additional pieces of information that you’ll need to include as part of your financial plan.

Highlight any risks and assumptions

Every entrepreneur takes risks with the biggest being assumptions and guesses about the future. Just be sure to track and address these unknowns in your plan early on.

Plan your exit strategy

Investors will want to know your long-term plans as a business owner. While you don’t need to have all the details, it’s worth taking the time to think through how you eventually plan to leave your business.

  • Financial ratios and metrics

With all of your financial statements and forecasts in place, you have all the numbers needed to calculate insightful financial ratios. While these metrics are entirely optional to include in your plan, having them easily accessible can be valuable for tracking your performance and overall financial situation.

Common business ratios

Unsure of which business ratios you should be using? Check out this list of key financial ratios that bankers, financial analysts, and investors will want to see.

Break-even analysis

Do you want to know when you’ll become profitable? Find out how much you need to sell to offset your production costs by conducting a break-even analysis.

How to calculate ROI

How much could a business decision be worth? Evaluate the efficiency or profitability by calculating the potential return on investment (ROI).

  • Financial plan templates and tools

Download and use these free financial templates and calculators to easily create your own financial plan.

financial statement business plan example

Sales forecast template

Download a free detailed sales forecast spreadsheet, with built-in formulas, to easily estimate your first full year of monthly sales.

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Accurate and easy financial forecasting

Get a full financial picture of your business with LivePlan's simple financial management tools.

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Content Author: Noah Parsons

Noah is the COO at Palo Alto Software, makers of the online business plan app LivePlan. He started his career at Yahoo! and then helped start the user review site Epinions.com. From there he started a software distribution business in the UK before coming to Palo Alto Software to run the marketing and product teams.

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Table of Contents

  • What to include for funding

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How to Prepare a Financial Plan for Startup Business (w/ example)

Financial Statements Template

Free Financial Statements Template

Ajay Jagtap

  • December 7, 2023

13 Min Read

financial plan for startup business

If someone were to ask you about your business financials, could you give them a detailed answer?

Let’s say they ask—how do you allocate your operating expenses? What is your cash flow situation like? What is your exit strategy? And a series of similar other questions.

Instead of mumbling what to answer or shooting in the dark, as a founder, you must prepare yourself to answer this line of questioning—and creating a financial plan for your startup is the best way to do it.

A business plan’s financial plan section is no easy task—we get that.

But, you know what—this in-depth guide and financial plan example can make forecasting as simple as counting on your fingertips.

Ready to get started? Let’s begin by discussing startup financial planning.

What is Startup Financial Planning?

Startup financial planning, in simple terms, is a process of planning the financial aspects of a new business. It’s an integral part of a business plan and comprises its three major components: balance sheet, income statement, and cash-flow statement.

Apart from these statements, your financial section may also include revenue and sales forecasts, assets & liabilities, break-even analysis, and more. Your first financial plan may not be very detailed, but you can tweak and update it as your company grows.

Key Takeaways

  • Realistic assumptions, thorough research, and a clear understanding of the market are the key to reliable financial projections.
  • Cash flow projection, balance sheet, and income statement are three major components of a financial plan.
  • Preparing a financial plan is easier and faster when you use a financial planning tool.
  • Exploring “what-if” scenarios is an ideal method to understand the potential risks and opportunities involved in the business operations.

Why is Financial Planning Important to Your Startup?

Poor financial planning is one of the biggest reasons why most startups fail. In fact, a recent CNBC study reported that running out of cash was the reason behind 44% of startup failures in 2022.

A well-prepared financial plan provides a clear financial direction for your business, helps you set realistic financial objectives, create accurate forecasts, and shows your business is committed to its financial objectives.

It’s a key element of your business plan for winning potential investors. In fact, YC considered recent financial statements and projections to be critical elements of their Series A due diligence checklist .

Your financial plan demonstrates how your business manages expenses and generates revenue and helps them understand where your business stands today and in 5 years.

Makes sense why financial planning is important to your startup, doesn’t it? Let’s cut to the chase and discuss the key components of a startup’s financial plan.

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financial statement business plan example

Key Components of a Startup Financial Plan

Whether creating a financial plan from scratch for a business venture or just modifying it for an existing one, here are the key components to consider including in your startup’s financial planning process.

Income Statement

An Income statement , also known as a profit-and-loss statement(P&L), shows your company’s income and expenditures. It also demonstrates how your business experienced any profit or loss over a given time.

Consider it as a snapshot of your business that shows the feasibility of your business idea. An income statement can be generated considering three scenarios: worst, expected, and best.

Your income or P&L statement must list the following:

  • Cost of goods or cost of sale
  • Gross margin
  • Operating expenses
  • Revenue streams
  • EBITDA (Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation , & amortization )

Established businesses can prepare annual income statements, whereas new businesses and startups should consider preparing monthly statements.

Cash flow Statement

A cash flow statement is one of the most critical financial statements for startups that summarize your business’s cash in-and-out flows over a given time.

This section provides details on the cash position of your business and its ability to meet monetary commitments on a timely basis.

Your cash flow projection consists of the following three components:

✅ Cash revenue projection: Here, you must enter each month’s estimated or expected sales figures.

✅ Cash disbursements: List expenditures that you expect to pay in cash for each month over one year.

✅ Cash flow reconciliation: Cash flow reconciliation is a process used to ensure the accuracy of cash flow projections. The adjusted amount is the cash flow balance carried over to the next month.

Furthermore, a company’s cash flow projections can be crucial while assessing liquidity, its ability to generate positive cash flows and pay off debts, and invest in growth initiatives.

Balance Sheet

Your balance sheet is a financial statement that reports your company’s assets, liabilities, and shareholder equity at a given time.

Consider it as a snapshot of what your business owns and owes, as well as the amount invested by the shareholders.

This statement consists of three parts: assets , liabilities, and the balance calculated by the difference between the first two. The final numbers on this sheet reflect the business owner’s equity or value.

Balance sheets follow the following accounting equation with assets on one side and liabilities plus Owner’s equity on the other:

Here is what’s the core purpose of having a balance-sheet:

  • Indicates the capital need of the business
  • It helps to identify the allocation of resources
  • It calculates the requirement of seed money you put up, and
  • How much finance is required?

Since it helps investors understand the condition of your business on a given date, it’s a financial statement you can’t miss out on.

Break-even Analysis

Break-even analysis is a startup or small business accounting practice used to determine when a company, product, or service will become profitable.

For instance, a break-even analysis could help you understand how many candles you need to sell to cover your warehousing and manufacturing costs and start making profits.

Remember, anything you sell beyond the break-even point will result in profit.

You must be aware of your fixed and variable costs to accurately determine your startup’s break-even point.

  • Fixed costs: fixed expenses that stay the same no matter what.
  • Variable costs: expenses that fluctuate over time depending on production or sales.

A break-even point helps you smartly price your goods or services, cover fixed costs, catch missing expenses, and set sales targets while helping investors gain confidence in your business. No brainer—why it’s a key component of your startup’s financial plan.

Having covered all the key elements of a financial plan, let’s discuss how you can create a financial plan for your startup.

How to Create a Financial Section of a Startup Business Plan?

1. determine your financial needs.

You can’t start financial planning without understanding your financial requirements, can you? Get your notepad or simply open a notion doc; it’s time for some critical thinking.

Start by assessing your current situation by—calculating your income, expenses , assets, and liabilities, what the startup costs are, how much you have against them, and how much financing you need.

Assessing your current financial situation and health will help determine how much capital you need for your startup and help plan fundraising activities and outreach.

Furthermore, determining financial needs helps prioritize operational activities and expenses, effectively allocate resources, and increase the viability and sustainability of a business in the long run.

Having learned to determine financial needs, let’s head straight to setting financial goals.

2. Define Your Financial Goals

Setting realistic financial goals is fundamental in preparing an effective financial plan. So, it would help to outline your long-term strategies and goals at the beginning of your financial planning process.

Let’s understand it this way—if you are a SaaS startup pursuing VC financing rounds, you may ask investors about what matters to them the most and prepare your financial plan accordingly.

However, a coffee shop owner seeking a business loan may need to create a plan that appeals to banks, not investors. At the same time, an internal financial plan designed to offer financial direction and resource allocation may not be the same as previous examples, seeing its different use case.

Feeling overwhelmed? Just define your financial goals—you’ll be fine.

You can start by identifying your business KPIs (key performance indicators); it would be an ideal starting point.

3. Choose the Right Financial Planning Tool

Let’s face it—preparing a financial plan using Excel is no joke. One would only use this method if they had all the time in the world.

Having the right financial planning software will simplify and speed up the process and guide you through creating accurate financial forecasts.

Many financial planning software and tools claim to be the ideal solution, but it’s you who will identify and choose a tool that is best for your financial planning needs.

financial statement business plan example

Create a Financial Plan with Upmetrics in no time

Enter your Financial Assumptions, and we’ll calculate your monthly/quarterly and yearly financial projections.

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Start Forecasting

4. Make Assumptions Before Projecting Financials

Once you have a financial planning tool, you can move forward to the next step— making financial assumptions for your plan based on your company’s current performance and past financial records.

You’re just making predictions about your company’s financial future, so there’s no need to overthink or complicate the process.

You can gather your business’ historical financial data, market trends, and other relevant documents to help create a base for accurate financial projections.

After you have developed rough assumptions and a good understanding of your business finances, you can move forward to the next step—projecting financials.

5. Prepare Realistic Financial Projections

It’s a no-brainer—financial forecasting is the most critical yet challenging aspect of financial planning. However, it’s effortless if you’re using a financial planning software.

Upmetrics’ forecasting feature can help you project financials for up to 7 years. However, new startups usually consider planning for the next five years. Although it can be contradictory considering your financial goals and investor specifications.

Following are the two key aspects of your financial projections:

Revenue Projections

In simple terms, revenue projections help investors determine how much revenue your business plans to generate in years to come.

It generally involves conducting market research, determining pricing strategy , and cash flow analysis—which we’ve already discussed in the previous steps.

The following are the key components of an accurate revenue projection report:

  • Market analysis
  • Sales forecast
  • Pricing strategy
  • Growth assumptions
  • Seasonal variations

This is a critical section for pre-revenue startups, so ensure your projections accurately align with your startup’s financial model and revenue goals.

Expense Projections

Both revenue and expense projections are correlated to each other. As revenue forecasts projected revenue assumptions, expense projections will estimate expenses associated with operating your business.

Accurately estimating your expenses will help in effective cash flow analysis and proper resource allocation.

These are the most common costs to consider while projecting expenses:

  • Fixed costs
  • Variable costs
  • Employee costs or payroll expenses
  • Operational expenses
  • Marketing and advertising expenses
  • Emergency fund

Remember, realistic assumptions, thorough research, and a clear understanding of your market are the key to reliable financial projections.

6. Consider “What if” Scenarios

After you project your financials, it’s time to test your assumptions with what-if analysis, also known as sensitivity analysis.

Using what-if analysis with different scenarios while projecting your financials will increase transparency and help investors better understand your startup’s future with its best, expected, and worst-case scenarios.

Exploring “what-if” scenarios is the best way to better understand the potential risks and opportunities involved in business operations. This proactive exercise will help you make strategic decisions and necessary adjustments to your financial plan.

7. Build a Visual Report

If you’ve closely followed the steps leading to this, you know how to research for financial projections, create a financial plan, and test assumptions using “what-if” scenarios.

Now, we’ll prepare visual reports to present your numbers in a visually appealing and easily digestible format.

Don’t worry—it’s no extra effort. You’ve already made a visual report while creating your financial plan and forecasting financials.

Check the dashboard to see the visual presentation of your projections and reports, and use the necessary financial data, diagrams, and graphs in the final draft of your financial plan.

Here’s what Upmetrics’ dashboard looks like:

Upmetrics financial projections visual report

8. Monitor and Adjust Your Financial Plan

Even though it’s not a primary step in creating a good financial plan, it’s quite essential to regularly monitor and adjust your financial plan to ensure the assumptions you made are still relevant, and you are heading in the right direction.

There are multiple ways to monitor your financial plan.

For instance, you can compare your assumptions with actual results to ensure accurate projections based on metrics like new customers acquired and acquisition costs, net profit, and gross margin.

Consider making necessary adjustments if your assumptions are not resonating with actual numbers.

Also, keep an eye on whether the changes you’ve identified are having the desired effect by monitoring their implementation.

And that was the last step in our financial planning guide. However, it’s not the end. Have a look at this financial plan example.

Startup Financial Plan Example

Having learned about financial planning, let’s quickly discuss a coffee shop startup financial plan example prepared using Upmetrics.

Important Assumptions

  • The sales forecast is conservative and assumes a 5% increase in Year 2 and a 10% in Year 3.
  • The analysis accounts for economic seasonality – wherein some months revenues peak (such as holidays ) and wanes in slower months.
  • The analysis assumes the owner will not withdraw any salary till the 3rd year; at any time it is assumed that the owner’s withdrawal is available at his discretion.
  • Sales are cash basis – nonaccrual accounting
  • Moderate ramp- up in staff over the 5 years forecast
  • Barista salary in the forecast is $36,000 in 2023.
  • In general, most cafes have an 85% gross profit margin
  • In general, most cafes have a 3% net profit margin

Projected Balance Sheet

Projected Balance Sheet

Projected Cash-Flow Statement

Cash-Flow Statement

Projected Profit & Loss Statement

Profit & Loss Statement

Break Even Analysis

Break Even Analysis

Start Preparing Your Financial Plan

We covered everything about financial planning in this guide, didn’t we? Although it doesn’t fulfill our objective to the fullest—we want you to finish your financial plan.

Sounds like a tough job? We have an easy way out for you—Upmetrics’ financial forecasting feature. Simply enter your financial assumptions, and let it do the rest.

So what are you waiting for? Try Upmetrics and create your financial plan in a snap.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How often should i update my financial projections.

Well, there is no particular rule about it. However, reviewing and updating your financial plan once a year is considered an ideal practice as it ensures that the financial aspirations you started and the projections you made are still relevant.

How do I estimate startup costs accurately?

You can estimate your startup costs by identifying and factoring various one-time, recurring, and hidden expenses. However, using a financial forecasting tool like Upmetrics will ensure accurate costs while speeding up the process.

What financial ratios should startups pay attention to?

Here’s a list of financial ratios every startup owner should keep an eye on:

  • Net profit margin
  • Current ratio
  • Quick ratio
  • Working capital
  • Return on equity
  • Debt-to-equity ratio
  • Return on assets
  • Debt-to-asset ratio

What are the 3 different scenarios in scenario analysis?

As discussed earlier, Scenario analysis is the process of ascertaining and analyzing possible events that can occur in the future. Startups or businesses often consider analyzing these three scenarios:

  • base-case (expected) scenario
  • Worst-case scenario
  • best case scenario.

About the Author

financial statement business plan example

Ajay is a SaaS writer and personal finance blogger who has been active in the space for over three years, writing about startups, business planning, budgeting, credit cards, and other topics related to personal finance. If not writing, he’s probably having a power nap. Read more

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How to Craft the Financial Section of Business Plan (Hint: It’s All About the Numbers)

Writing a small business plan takes time and effort … especially when you have to dive into the numbers for the financial section. But, working on the financial section of business plan could lead to a big payoff for your business.

Read on to learn what is the financial section of a business plan, why it matters, and how to write one for your company.  

What is the financial section of business plan?

Generally, the financial section is one of the last sections in a business plan. It describes a business’s historical financial state (if applicable) and future financial projections. Businesses include supporting documents such as budgets and financial statements, as well as funding requests in this section of the plan.  

The financial part of the business plan introduces numbers. It comes after the executive summary, company description , market analysis, organization structure, product information, and marketing and sales strategies.

Businesses that are trying to get financing from lenders or investors use the financial section to make their case. This section also acts as a financial roadmap so you can budget for your business’s future income and expenses. 

Why it matters 

The financial section of the business plan is critical for moving beyond wordy aspirations and into hard data and the wonderful world of numbers. 

Through the financial section, you can:

  • Forecast your business’s future finances
  • Budget for expenses (e.g., startup costs)
  • Get financing from lenders or investors
  • Grow your business

describes how you can use the four ways to use the financial section of business plan

  • Growth : 64% of businesses with a business plan were able to grow their business, compared to 43% of businesses without a business plan.
  • Financing : 36% of businesses with a business plan secured a loan, compared to 18% of businesses without a plan.

So, if you want to possibly double your chances of securing a business loan, consider putting in a little time and effort into your business plan’s financial section. 

Writing your financial section

To write the financial section, you first need to gather some information. Keep in mind that the information you gather depends on whether you have historical financial information or if you’re a brand-new startup. 

Your financial section should detail:

  • Business expenses 

Financial projections

Financial statements, break-even point, funding requests, exit strategy, business expenses.

Whether you’ve been in business for one day or 10 years, you have expenses. These expenses might simply be startup costs for new businesses or fixed and variable costs for veteran businesses. 

Take a look at some common business expenses you may need to include in the financial section of business plan:

  • Licenses and permits
  • Cost of goods sold 
  • Rent or mortgage payments
  • Payroll costs (e.g., salaries and taxes)
  • Utilities 
  • Equipment 
  • Supplies 
  • Advertising 

Write down each type of expense and amount you currently have as well as expenses you predict you’ll have. Use a consistent time period (e.g., monthly costs). 

Indicate which expenses are fixed (unchanging month-to-month) and which are variable (subject to changes). 

How much do you anticipate earning from sales each month? 

If you operate an existing business, you can look at previous monthly revenue to make an educated estimate. Take factors into consideration, like seasonality and economic ups and downs, when basing projections on previous cash flow.

Coming up with your financial projections may be a bit trickier if you are a startup. After all, you have nothing to go off of. Come up with a reasonable monthly goal based on things like your industry, competitors, and the market. Hint : Look at your market analysis section of the business plan for guidance. 

A financial statement details your business’s finances. The three main types of financial statements are income statements, cash flow statements, and balance sheets.

Income statements summarize your business’s income and expenses during a period of time (e.g., a month). This document shows whether your business had a net profit or loss during that time period. 

Cash flow statements break down your business’s incoming and outgoing money. This document details whether your company has enough cash on hand to cover expenses.

The balance sheet summarizes your business’s assets, liabilities, and equity. Balance sheets help with debt management and business growth decisions. 

If you run a startup, you can create “pro forma financial statements,” which are statements based on projections.

If you’ve been in business for a bit, you should have financial statements in your records. You can include these in your business plan. And, include forecasted financial statements. 

financial statement business plan example

You’re just in luck. Check out our FREE guide, Use Financial Statements to Assess the Health of Your Business , to learn more about the different types of financial statements for your business.

Potential investors want to know when your business will reach its break-even point. The break-even point is when your business’s sales equal its expenses. 

Estimate when your company will reach its break-even point and detail it in the financial section of business plan.

If you’re looking for financing, detail your funding request here. Include how much you are looking for, list ideal terms (e.g., 10-year loan or 15% equity), and how long your request will cover. 

Remember to discuss why you are requesting money and what you plan on using the money for (e.g., equipment). 

Back up your funding request by emphasizing your financial projections. 

Last but not least, your financial section should also discuss your business’s exit strategy. An exit strategy is a plan that outlines what you’ll do if you need to sell or close your business, retire, etc. 

Investors and lenders want to know how their investment or loan is protected if your business doesn’t make it. The exit strategy does just that. It explains how your business will make ends meet even if it doesn’t make it. 

When you’re working on the financial section of business plan, take advantage of your accounting records to make things easier on yourself. For organized books, try Patriot’s online accounting software . Get your free trial now!

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Financial Templates for Your Business Plan

Income statement, balance sheet, cash flow, and more, use the financial statements template to prepare what you need for your business plan..

The financial statements template for each of the major financials will help you create exactly what you need for your business plan.  The links in the left column will help you find exactly which financial statements template you need.

The financial projections of your business plan are very important to investors, lenders, and to you too of course! Yet, many new business owners struggle to understand how to create a pro-forma or projected income statement, statement of cash flow and balance sheet. That’s okay! In this section, you’ll learn what each of these financial statements is about, how they are different, and what they include. If you have some background in accounting or finance, the sections below will give you great guidance on what to include in your business plan and how to present it.

Included in this Section

  • Income Statement
  • Balance Sheet
  • Sources and Uses of Funds

If you are a future business owner without any accounting background, you’ll learn the basics of each type of financial statement so that when you reach for outside help, you won’t be in the dark. Better still, by reading the information below, you’ll gain the confidence to discuss your financial statements with a lender, banker or investor. When making a loan or investment, bankers will want to know that you understand the basics of financial statements. The information, guidelines, examples and templates in the sections below will make sure that you do.

Click any section title in the left column for a detailed description and complete overview of what should be included, mistakes to avoid, and important considerations.

Your business plan needs to include a pro-forma balance sheet, income statement, and cash flow statement. The term “pro-forma” means projected or forecast. Most future business owners who do not have experience with financial statements seek outside help to complete this part of their plan. Whether you plan to prepare your own financials or get outside help, this section is intended to make sure that you know what to include and that you will be well prepared to discuss your financial statements with a banker or investor.

When working on  how to prepare a balance sheet , income statement and statement of cash flow, plan to prepare quarterly projections for year 1, and yearly projections for years 2-3.  Some investors or bankers will expect 5 year projections but that is not as common for startup businesses.  If you’re new to financial statements, here is a brief definition of each type:

Income Statement: Also known as a profit and loss statement. Shows the company’s revenue, expenses, and profit or loss. Key formula: Total Revenue – Total Expenses = Profit or Loss.  This is an important financial statement that you should learn to work with very carefully–it tells you how your business is doing each month. Our financial statements template for profit and loss will help you learn the key concepts.

Balance Sheet:  This financial statement template will help you show the value of the company’s assets, liabilities and owner’s equity. Key equation: Assets = Liabilities + Owner’s Equity. Additionally, when creating your sample balance sheet , understand that this is the only financial statement that applies to a single point in time. It is a “snapshot” at a given point in time, unlike the other financial statements that show activity throughout a period of time. A small business balance sheet should include assets such as: cash, accounts receivable, and inventory.

Statement of Cash Flow:  The statement of cash flow financial statement template maps inflows and outflows of cash. Sales and profit alone don’t tell the whole story. It’s important to know when money will come in and when money will be going out.

There are several key questions to be answered by this section of the plan. Lenders will want to know if the business will be able to repay the loan they are seeking. Investors will want to see if the longer-term growth trends represent a good investment for them. Both lenders and investors will want to see that the business is sufficiently capitalized so that it doesn’t run out of money, and how fast the business can reach break-even and become profitable.

Business Plan Outline for Financials:

  • 3-Year Pro-Forma Income Statement
  • Balance Sheet at the end of Years 1, 2 and 3
  • 3-Year Pro-Forma Statement of Cash Flow
  • Capitalization (Sources and Uses of Funds)

Important Considerations

Historical financial statements are different from those presented in a business plan. Historical financial statements report on a business’s actual financial performance and are used, in part, to prepare income taxes. They must take into account tax laws regarding depreciation, revenue recognition and other matters. While the financial statements for a business plan must be thorough, they are used for different purposes and require a different level of detail.

financial statements template

There are two overarching considerations for your pro-forma financial statements: First, they must match what you say in your business plan. Everything referenced in the text of the business plan must be included in the financial statements. For example, if the business plan says that there will be 15 people on the payroll at the end of the first year, the payroll section of the income statement must show the payroll expense for 15 people at month 12. If your marketing section says there will be an advertising blitz just prior to the holidays, then the marketing expense line of your income statement must reflect that. Everything must match up.

The second overarching consideration for your financial projections is, “How reasonable are your expectations?” Since nobody knows if your forecasts are accurate, you will need to emphasize how reasonable they are. Here are three examples of trouble signs from financial statements from business plans we have reviewed (critiques are shown in italics):

  • A company was applying for a business loan from a bank. The income statement forecasted that the business would still be losing money in three years. It was not reasonable to expect a bank to lend money to this business when the financial statements projected they would not be able to repay the loan.
  • A start-up was forecasting that their revenue would go from $0 to over $1 billion in 3 years, with an investment of just $250,000. This revenue forecast was not realistic. Not even Google grew that fast in its first three years.
  • A business plan showed profit margins of 50% when the industry average for their type of business was 15%. The profit margins are not reasonable. An experienced lender or investor would recognize that this person either did not have a good handle on operations costs or pricing, or both.

For more information or the specific financial statements template you need, see the specific sections on the Balance Sheet ,  Income Statement  or  Cash Flow Statement .   Or, for a different perspective, see the Wikipedia page on the financial statements template which you can find here .

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4 Key Financial Statements For Your Startup Business Plan

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  • September 12, 2022
  • Fundraising

financial statements startup business plan

If you’re preparing a business plan for your startup, chances are that investors (or a bank) have also asked you to produce financial projections for your business. That’s absolutely normal: any startup business plan should at least include forecasts of the 3 financial statements.

The financial projections need to be presented clearly with charts and tables so potential investors understand where you are going, and how much money you need to get there .

In this article we explain you what are the 4 financial statements you should include in the business plan for your startup. Let’s dive in!

Financial Statement #1: Profit & Loss

The profit and loss (P&L) , also referred to as “income statement”, is a summary of all your revenues and expenses over a given time period .

By subtracting expenses from revenues, it gives a clear picture of whether your business is profitable, or loss-making. With the balance sheet and the cash flow statement, it is one of the 3 consolidated financial statements every startup must produce every fiscal year .

Most small businesses produce a P&L on a yearly basis with the help of their accountant. Yet it is good practice to keep track of all revenues and expenses on a monthly or quarterly basis as part of your budget instead.

When projecting your financials as part of your business plan, you must do so on a monthly basis. Usually, most startups project 3 years hence 36 months. If you have some historical performance (for instance you started your business 2 years ago), project 5 years instead.

financial statement business plan example

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Financial Statement #2: Cash Flow

Whilst your P&L includes all your business’ revenues and expenses in a given period, the cash flow statement records all cash inflows and outflows over that same period.

Some expenses are not necessarily recorded in your P&L but should be included in your cash flow statement instead. Why is that? There are 2 main reasons:

  • Your P&L shows a picture of all the revenues you generated over a given period as well as the expenses you incurred to generate these revenues . If you sell $100 worth of products in July 2021 and incurred $50 cost to source them from your supplier, your P&L shows $100 revenues minus $50 expenses for that month. But what about if you bought a $15,000 car to deliver these products to your customers? The $15,000 should not be recorded as an expense in your P&L, but a cash outflow instead. Indeed, the car will help you generate revenues, say over the next 5 years, not just in July 2021
  • Some expenses in your P&L are not necessarily cash outflows. Think depreciation and amortization expenses for instance: they are pure artificial expenses and aren’t really “spent”. As such, whilst your P&L might include a $100 depreciation expense, your cash flow remains the same.

financial statement business plan example

Financial Statement #3: Balance Sheet

Whilst the P&L and cash flow statement are a summary of your financial performance over a given time period, the balance sheet is a picture of your financials at a given time.

The balance sheet lists all your business’ assets and liabilities at a given time (at end of year for instance). As such, it includes things such as:

  • Assets: patents, buildings, equipments, customer receivables, tax credits etc. Assets can be either tangible (e.g. buildings) or intangible (e.g. customer receivables ).
  • Liabilities: debt, suppliers payables, etc.
  • Equity : the paid-in capital invested to date in the company (from you and any other potential investors). Equity also includes the cumulative result of your P&L: the sum of your profits and losses to date

Whilst P&L and cash flow statement are fairly simple to build when preparing your business plan, you might need help for your balance sheet.

financial statement business plan example

Financial Statement #4: Use of Funds

The use of funds is not a mandatory financial statement your accountant will need to prepare every year. Instead, you shall include it in your startup business plan, along with the 3 key financial statements.

Indeed, the use of funds tells investors where you will spend your money over a given time frame. For instance, if you are raising $500k to open a retail shop, you might need $250k for the first year lease and another $250k for the inventory.

Use of funds should not be an invention from you: instead it is the direct result of your cash flow statement . If you are raising for your first year of business, and your projected cash flow statement result in a $500k loss (including all revenues and expenses), you will need to raise $500k.

For instance, using the example above, if you need $500k over the next 12 months, raise $600k or so instead. Indeed, better be on the safe side in case things do not go as expected!

financial statement business plan example

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Start » startup, business plan financials: 3 statements to include.

The finance section of your business plan is essential to securing investors and determining whether your idea is even viable. Here's what to include.

 Businessman reviews financial documents

If your business plan is the blueprint of how to run your company, the financials section is the key to making it happen. The finance section of your business plan is essential to determining whether your idea is even viable in the long term. It’s also necessary to convince investors of this viability and subsequently secure the type and amount of funding you need. Here’s what to include in your business plan financials.

[Read: How to Write a One-Page Business Plan ]

What are business plan financials?

Business plan financials is the section of your business plan that outlines your past, current and projected financial state. This section includes all the numbers and hard data you’ll need to plan for your business’s future, and to make your case to potential investors. You will need to include supporting financial documents and any funding requests in this part of your business plan.

Business plan financials are vital because they allow you to budget for existing or future expenses, as well as forecast your business’s future finances. A strongly written finance section also helps you obtain necessary funding from investors, allowing you to grow your business.

Sections to include in your business plan financials

Here are the three statements to include in the finance section of your business plan:

Profit and loss statement

A profit and loss statement , also known as an income statement, identifies your business’s revenue (profit) and expenses (loss). This document describes your company’s overall financial health in a given time period. While profit and loss statements are typically prepared quarterly, you will need to do so at least annually before filing your business tax return with the IRS.

Common items to include on a profit and loss statement :

  • Revenue: total sales and refunds, including any money gained from selling property or equipment.
  • Expenditures: total expenses.
  • Cost of goods sold (COGS): the cost of making products, including materials and time.
  • Gross margin: revenue minus COGS.
  • Operational expenditures (OPEX): the cost of running your business, including paying employees, rent, equipment and travel expenses.
  • Depreciation: any loss of value over time, such as with equipment.
  • Earnings before tax (EBT): revenue minus COGS, OPEX, interest, loan payments and depreciation.
  • Profit: revenue minus all of your expenses.

Businesses that have not yet started should provide projected income statements in their financials section. Currently operational businesses should include past and present income statements, in addition to any future projections.

[Read: Top Small Business Planning Strategies ]

A strongly written finance section also helps you obtain necessary funding from investors, allowing you to grow your business.

Balance sheet

A balance sheet provides a snapshot of your company’s finances, allowing you to keep track of earnings and expenses. It includes what your business owns (assets) versus what it owes (liabilities), as well as how much your business is currently worth (equity).

On the assets side of your balance sheet, you will have three subsections: current assets, fixed assets and other assets. Current assets include cash or its equivalent value, while fixed assets refer to long-term investments like equipment or buildings. Any assets that do not fall within these categories, such as patents and copyrights, can be classified as other assets.

On the liabilities side of your balance sheet, include a total of what your business owes. These can be broken down into two parts: current liabilities (amounts to be paid within a year) and long-term liabilities (amounts due for longer than a year, including mortgages and employee benefits).

Once you’ve calculated your assets and liabilities, you can determine your business’s net worth, also known as equity. This can be calculated by subtracting what you owe from what you own, or assets minus liabilities.

Cash flow statement

A cash flow statement shows the exact amount of money coming into your business (inflow) and going out of it (outflow). Each cost incurred or amount earned should be documented on its own line, and categorized into one of the following three categories: operating activities, investment activities and financing activities. These three categories can all have inflow and outflow activities.

Operating activities involve any ongoing expenses necessary for day-to-day operations; these are likely to make up the majority of your cash flow statement. Investment activities, on the other hand, cover any long-term payments that are needed to start and run your business. Finally, financing activities include the money you’ve used to fund your business venture, including transactions with creditors or funders.

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4 Steps to Creating a Financial Plan for Your Small Business

Rami Ali

When it comes to long-term business success, preparation is the name of the game. And the key to that preparation is a solid financial plan that sets forth a business’s short- and long-term financial goals and how it intends to reach them. Used by company decision-makers and potential partners, investors and lenders, alike, a financial plan typically includes the company’s sales forecast, cash flow projection, expected expenses, key financial metrics and more. Here is what small businesses should understand to create a comprehensive financial plan of their own.

What Is a Financial Plan?

A financial plan is a document that businesses use to detail and manage their finances, ensure efficient allocation of resources and inform a plethora of decisions — everything from setting prices, to expanding the business, to optimizing operations, to name just a few. The financial plan provides a clear understanding of the company’s current financial standing; outlines its strategies, goals and projections; makes clear whether an idea is sustainable and worthy of investment; and monitors the business’s financial health as it grows and matures. Financial plans can be adjusted over time as forecasts become replaced with real-world results and market forces change.

A financial plan is an integral part of an overall business plan, ensuring financial objectives align with overall business goals. It typically contains a description of the business, financial statements, personnel plan, risk analysis and relevant key performance indicators (KPIs) and ratios. By providing a comprehensive view of the company’s finances and future goals, financial plans also assist in attracting investors and other sources of funding.

Key Takeaways

  • A financial plan details a business’s current standing and helps business leaders make informed decisions about future endeavors and strategies.
  • A financial plan includes three major financial statements: the income statement, balance sheet and cash flow statement.
  • A financial plan answers essential questions and helps track progress toward goals.
  • Financial management software gives decision-makers the tools they need to make strategic decisions.

Why Is a Financial Plan Important to Your Small Business?

A financial plan can provide small businesses with greater confidence in their short- and long-term endeavors by helping them determine ways to best allocate and invest their resources. The process of creating the plan forces businesses to think through how different decisions could impact revenue and which occasions call for dipping into reserve funds. It’s also a helpful tool for monitoring performance, managing cash flow and tracking financial metrics.

Simply put, a financial plan shows where the business stands; over time, its analysis will reveal whether its investments were worthwhile and worth repeating. In addition, when a business is courting potential partners, investors and lenders, the financial plan spotlights the business’s commitment to spending wisely and meeting its financial obligations.

Benefits of a Financial Plan

A financial plan is only as effective as the data foundation it’s built on and the business’s flexibility to revisit it amid changing market forces and demand shifts. Done correctly, a financial plan helps small businesses stay on track so they can reach their short-term and long-term goals. Among the benefits that effective financial planning delivers:

  • A clear view of goals and objectives: As with any type of business plan, it’s imperative that everyone in a company is on the same financial page. With clear responsibilities and expected results mapped out, every team member from the top down sees what needs to be done, when to do it and why.
  • More accurate budgets and projections: A comprehensive financial plan leads to realistic budgets that allocate resources appropriately and plan for future revenue and expenses. Financial projections also help small businesses lay out steps to maintain business continuity during periods of cash flow volatility or market uncertainty.
  • External funding opportunities: With a detailed financial plan in hand, potential partners, lenders and investors can see exactly where their money will go and how it will be used. The inclusion of stellar financial records, including past and current liabilities, can also assure external funding sources that they will be repaid.
  • Performance monitoring and course correction: Small businesses can continue to benefit from their financial plans long after the plan has been created. By continuously monitoring results and comparing them with initial projections, businesses have the opportunity to adjust their plans as needed.

Components of a Small Business Financial Plan

A sound financial plan is instrumental to the success and stability of a small business. Whether the business is starting from scratch or modifying its plan, the best financial plans include the following elements:

Income statement: The income statement reports the business’s net profit or loss over a specific period of time, such a month, quarter or year. Also known as a profit-and-loss statement (P&L) or pro forma income statement, the income statement includes the following elements:

  • Cost of goods sold (COGS): The direct costs involved in producing goods or services.
  • Operating expenses: Rent, utilities and other costs involved in running the business.
  • Revenue streams: Usually in the form of sales and subscription services, among other sources.
  • Total net profit or loss: Derived from the total amount of sales less expenses and taxes.

Balance sheet: The balance sheet reports the business’s current financial standing, focusing on what it owns, what it owes and shareholder equity:

  • Assets: Available cash, goods and other owned resources.
  • Liabilities: Amounts owed to suppliers, personnel, landlords, creditors, etc.

Shareholder equity: Measures the company’s net worth, calculated with this formula:

Shareholder Equity = Assets – Liability

The balance sheet lists assets, liabilities and equity in chart format, with assets in the left column and liabilities and equity on the right. When complete — and as the name implies —the two sides should balance out to zero, as shown on the sample balance sheet below. The balance sheet is used with other financial statements to calculate business financial ratios (discussed soon).

Balance Sheet

Cash flow projection: Cash flow projection is a part of the cash flow statement , which is perhaps one of the most critical aspects of a financial plan. After all, businesses run on cash. The cash flow statement documents how much cash came in and went out of the business during a specific time period. This reveals its liquidity, meaning how much cash it has on hand. The cash flow projection should display how much cash a business currently has, where it’s going, where future cash will come from and a schedule for each activity.

Personnel plan: A business needs the right people to meet its goals and maintain a healthy cash flow. A personnel plan looks at existing positions, helps determine when it’s time to bring on more team members and determines whether new hires should be full-time, part-time or work on a contractual basis. It also examines compensation levels, including benefits, and forecasts those costs against potential business growth to gauge whether the potential benefits of new hires justify the expense.

Business ratios: In addition to a big-picture view of the business, decision-makers will need to drill down to specific aspects of the business to understand how individual areas are performing. Business ratios , such as net profit margin, return on equity, accounts payable turnover, assets to sales, working capital and total debt to total assets, help evaluate the business’s financial health. Data used to calculate these ratios come from the P&L statement, balance sheet and cash flow statement. Business ratios contextualize financial data — for example, net profit margin shows the profitability of a company’s operations in relation to its revenue. They are often used to help request funding from a bank or investor, as well.

Sales forecast: How much will you sell in a specific period? A sales forecast needs to be an ongoing part of any planning process since it helps predict cash flow and the organization’s overall health. A forecast needs to be consistent with the sales number within your P&L statement. Organizing and segmenting your sales forecast will depend on how thoroughly you want to track sales and the business you have. For example, if you own a hotel and giftshop, you may want to track separately sales from guests staying the night and sales from the shop.

Cash flow projection: Perhaps one of the most critical aspects of your financial plan is your cash flow statement . Your business runs on cash. Understanding how much cash is coming in and when to expect it shows the difference between your profit and cash position. It should display how much cash you have now, where it’s going, where it will come from and a schedule for each activity.

Income projections: Businesses can use their sales forecasts to estimate how much money they are on track to make in a given period, usually a year. This income projection is calculated by subtracting anticipated expenses from revenue. In some cases, the income projection is rolled into the P&L statement.

Assets and liabilities: Assets and liabilities appear on the business’s balance sheet. Assets are what a company owns and are typically divided into current and long-term assets. Current assets can be converted into cash within a year and include stocks, inventory and accounts receivable. Long-term assets are tangible or fixed assets designed for long-term use, such as furniture, fixtures, buildings, machinery and vehicles.

Liabilities are business obligations that are also classified as current and long-term. Current liabilities are due to be paid within a year and include accrued payroll, taxes payable and short-term loans. Long-term liabilities include shareholder loans or bank debt that mature more than a year later.

Break-even analysis: The break-even point is how much a business must sell to exactly cover all of its fixed and variable expenses, including COGS, salaries and rent. When revenue exceeds expenses, the business makes a profit. The break-even point is used to guide sales revenue and volume goals; determination requires first calculating contribution margin , which is the amount of sales revenue a company has, less its variable costs, to put toward paying its fixed costs. Businesses can use break-even analyses to better evaluate their expenses and calculate how much to mark up its goods and services to be able to turn a profit.

Four Steps to Create a Financial Plan for Your Small Business

Financial plans require deliberate planning and careful implementation. The following four steps can help small businesses get started and ensure their plans can help them achieve their goals.

Create a strategic plan

Before looking at any numbers, a strategic plan focuses on what the company wants to accomplish and what it needs to achieve its goals. Will it need to buy more equipment or hire additional staff? How will its goals affect cash flow? What other resources are needed to meet its goals? A strategic financial plan answers these questions and determines how the plan will impact the company’s finances. Creating a list of existing  expenses  and assets is also helpful and will inform the remaining financial planning steps.

Create financial projections

Financial projections should be based on  anticipated expenses and sales forecasts . These projections look at the business’s goals and estimate the costs needed to reach them in the face of a variety of potential scenarios, such as best-case, worst-case and most likely to happen. Accountants may be brought in to review the plan with stakeholders and suggest how to explain the plan to external audiences, such as investors and lenders.

Plan for contingencies

Financial plans should use data from the cash flow statement and balance sheet to inform worst-case scenario plans, such as when incoming cash dries up or the business takes an unexpected turn. Some common contingencies include keeping cash reserves or a substantial line of credit for quick access to funds during slow periods. Another option is to produce a plan to sell off assets to help break even.

Monitor and compare goals

Actual results in the cash flow statement, income projections and relevant business ratios should be analyzed throughout the year to see how closely real-life results adhered to projections. Regular check-ins also help businesses spot potential problems before they can get worse and inform course corrections.

Three Questions Your Financial Plan Should Answer

A small business financial plan should be tailored to the needs and expectations of its intended audience, whether it is potential investors, lenders, partners or internal stakeholders. Once the plan is created, all parties should, at minimum, understand:

How will the business make money?

What does the business need to achieve its goals?

What is the business’s  operating budget ?

Financial plans that don’t answer these questions will need more work. Otherwise, a business risks starting a new venture without a clear path forward, and decision-makers will lack the necessary insights that a detailed financial plan would have provided.

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NetSuite’s cloud-based financial management platform simplifies the labor-intensive process through automation. NetSuite Planning and Budgeting automatically consolidates real-time data for analysis, reporting and forecasting, thereby improving efficiency. With intuitive dashboards and sophisticated forecasting tools, businesses can create accurate financial plans, track progress and modify strategies in order to achieve and maintain long-term success. The solution also allows for scenario planning and workforce planning, plus prebuilt data synchronization with NetSuite ERP means the entire business is working with the same up-to-date information.

Whether a business is first getting started, looking to expand, trying to secure outside funding or monitoring its growth, it will need to create a financial plan. This plan lays out the business’s short- and long-term objectives, details its current and projected finances, specifies how it will invest its resources and helps track its progress. Not only does a financial plan guide the business along its way, but it is typically required by outside sources of funding that don’t invest or lend their money to just any company. Creating a financial plan may take some time, but successful small businesses know it is well worth the effort.

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Small Business Financial Plan FAQs

How do I write a small business financial plan?

Writing a small business financial plan is a four-step process. It begins with creating a strategic plan, which covers the company’s goals and what it needs to achieve them. The next step is to create financial projections, which are dependent on anticipating sales and expenses. Step three plans for contingencies: For example, what if the business were to lose a significant client? Finally, the business must monitor its goals, comparing actual results to projections and adjusting as needed.

What is the best financial statement for a small business?

The income statement, also known as the profit and loss (P&L) statement, is often considered the most important financial statement for small businesses, as it summarizes profits and losses and the business’s bottom line over a specific financial period. For financial plans, the cash flow statement and the balance sheet are also critical financial statements.

How often should businesses update their financial plans?

Financial plans can be updated whenever a business deems appropriate. Many businesses create three- and five-year plans and adjust them annually. If a market experiences a large shift, such as a spike in demand or an economic downturn, a financial plan may need to be updated to reflect the new market.

What are some common mistakes to avoid when creating a small business financial plan?

Some common mistakes to avoid when creating a small business financial plan include underestimating expenses, overestimating revenue, failing to plan for contingencies and adhering to plans too strictly when circumstances change. Plans should be regularly updated to reflect real-world results and current market trends.

How do I account for uncertainty and potential risks in my small business financial plan?

Small businesses can plan for uncertainty by maintaining cash reserves and opening lines of credit to cover periods of lower income or high expenses. Plans and projections should also take into account a variety of potential scenarios, from best case to worst case.

What is a typical business financial plan?

A typical business financial plan is a document that details a business’s goals, strategies and projections over a specific period of time. It is used as a roadmap for the organization’s financial activities and provides a framework for decision-making, resource allocation and performance evaluation.

What are the seven components of a financial plan?

Financial plans can vary to suit the business’s needs, but seven components to include are the income statement, operating income, net income, cash flow statement, balance sheet, financial projections and business ratios. Various financial key performance indicators and a break-even analysis are typically included as well.

What is an example of a financial plan?

A financial plan serves as a snapshot of the business’s current standing and how it plans to grow. For example, a restaurant looking to secure approval for a loan will be asked to provide a financial plan. This plan will include an executive summary of the business, a description and history of the company, market research into customer base and competition, sales and marketing strategies, key performance indicators and organizational structure. It will also include elements focusing on the future, such as financial projections, potential risks and funding requirements and strategies.

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Small Business Financial Management: Tips, Importance and Challenges

It is remarkably difficult to start a small business. Only about half stay open for five years, and only a third make it to the 10-year mark. That’s why it’s vital to make every effort to succeed. And one of the most fundamental skills and tools for any small business owner is sound financial management.

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How To Create a Startup Financial Statement [Free Template]

financial-stmnt-header

A startup financial statement contains financial documents you’ll need to put together when you’re trying to secure funds from lenders. Its purpose is to clearly spell out your startup’s financial health so a lender or investor can assess any possible risk and decide whether or not to offer you a loan.

Typically, traditional lenders such as banks will request documentation like this, but it’s good to have a startup financial statement handy when you’re looking into other types of startup capital, too.

In this post, we’ll go over how to put together a startup financial statement so you can apply for a loan and secure the proper resources for a successful startup .

In this article:

What is a financial statement for startups?

  • Balance sheet
  • Income statement
  • Cash flow statement
  • Break-even analysis
  • Startup financial statement examples

Startup financial statement template

Prepare for launch with hubspot for startups.

Tip: Make your startup financial statement a living document so you’re always up to date about your startup’s financial health.

A financial statement for startups is a collection of key documents that enables you, your lenders, and your investors to better understand the financial health of your company.

Financial statements highlight things like revenue, income, profit, financial obligations, and the flow of cash through a business and are typically issued on a quarterly, semiannual, or annual timeline. A financial statement is broken into four parts:

  • Balance sheet : A broad overview of your company’s assets, liabilities, and equity
  • Income statement : A breakdown of your company’s revenue and expenses
  • Cash flow statement : An analysis of cash and cash equivalents flowing in and out of your business
  • Break-even analysis : An overview of total costs compared to income

For pre-seed or seed startups, a financial statement will likely have more projections than concrete data. For more mature startups, especially post-launch, you can use internal data for your financial statement. These statements are vital when building a financial plan for startup businesses.

1. Balance Sheet

startup-balance-sheet

A balance sheet is an overview of what the company owns, owes, and the total amount of shareholder equity. There are three primary components of a balance sheet: assets, liabilities, and owner’s equity. Assets include:

  • The company’s cash reserves, or how much cash the company has on hand
  • Inventory of goods, property, and patents.
  • Prepaid expenses like rent, taxes, and insurance.
  • Investments, which can include stocks, bonds, real estate, or other long- or short-term investments the company may have made.

Liabilities include:

  • Accounts payable, including fuel and energy costs, transportation, services, leases, or other logistical obligations.
  • Interest owed, which represents the total amount of interest the company owes to lenders.
  • Term debt, which is similar to interest owed, but represents the amount of debt owed to shareholders.

Owner’s equity includes:

  • Owner’s equity, or shareholder’s equity, represents the leftover assets after all liabilities have been accounted for.

Here is what an example of a balance sheet might look like:

balance-sheet-example

The balance sheet for startups is used to calculate your debt-to-equity ratio. The debt-to-equity ratio compares the amount of debt a startup owes to its shareholder equity.

Balance sheets are important because they can help you have a clear view of what you own and what you owe. This can help you determine whether you’ve borrowed too much money, if your assets are liquid enough, or if you have enough runway to keep the lights on.

Balance sheets are also key in securing startup funding. They help potential investors and lenders ensure that their bet on your company is a safe one. By analyzing your company’s debt-to-equity ratio, they can gain an essential overview of your company’s financial health and creditworthiness.

2. Profit and Loss Statement

startup-profit-and-loss-statement

The profit & loss (P&L) statement section of your startup financial statement breaks down into three primary sections:

  • Sales from your primary product or service, also known as operating revenue
  • Passive income from investments, short-term non-product sales, interest earned, or rentals, also known as non-operating revenue

Cost of Sales (aka Cost of Goods Sold) :

  • Expenses directly related to the production of the products or services you create
  • Total revenue minus cost of sales yields net revenue

Operating Expenses are all other expenses required for operating the business, including but not necessarily limited to :

  • Administrative costs
  • Sales and marketing
  • Office space
  • Utility bills including electricity, gas, and internet access
  • Interest paid toward debt owed
  • Travel and entertainment
  • Research and development
  • Payroll and payroll taxes
  • Business and legal

Net revenue less total operating expenses gives you net income or losses.

Here is an example of a profit & loss statement:

profit-and-loss-statement-example

This data is used for accounting and can help businesses or their investors determine whether certain aspects of the business can be improved or made more efficient.

For example, if administrative costs are growing out of control compared to previous years, your business might consider slowing the hiring process or reducing its salary obligations.

Similarly, if a revenue stream or product is outperforming others consistently, you may choose to dedicate more resources to that product.

As most businesses will use an accrual basis of accounting (vs. cash basis), your net income or loss will not be a reflection of your cash flow. And that is where the next section of your financials comes in.

3. Cash Flow Statement

startup-cash-flow-statement

A startup cash flow statement is a financial statement that highlights exactly where cash and cash equivalents enter and leave your venture.

Cash flow statements are essential to your business because they can help you identify opportunities for improvement in the short and medium term, create crisis management budgets, and gain a better general understanding of your business’s finances.

Cash flow statements are broken down into three primary categories: operating activities, investing activities, and financing .

Here are some examples of what to include in these categories:

Operating activities :

  • Adjustments to net income (including interest paid, interest received, and taxes paid)
  • Changes in operating assets and liabilities (including accounts receivable, accounts payable, and inventories)

Investing activities :

  • Purchases or sales of securities
  • Purchases or sales of other assets
  • Payments for acquisitions
  • Proceeds from maturities on bonds or securities

Financing Activities :

  • Loans or funding
  • Loan payment
  • Share buybacks
  • Dividend payments

Here is what a cash flow statement might look like:

cash-flow-statement-example

When all of these categories are put together, you will have the total of your cash and cash equivalents.

Keep in mind that this number is not always positive, but that isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes cash flow can go negative for a period of time as you scale your business or through a particularly rough economic patch; but understanding where and why your cash flow is negative is essential in getting your startup back on track.

4. Break-even analysis

break-even-analysis-example-1

A break-even analysis is a graph that shows total costs compared to total earnings for each product a startup sells. These graphs are relatively simple to put together and very easy to read.

When the line representing earnings is above costs, that’s when the product or service earns enough revenue to cover operating expenses. Break-even analyses aren’t always required for startup financial statements, but they’re helpful for potential investors, lenders, and the startup’s leadership team alike.

Here is an example of a break-even analysis:

break-even-analysis-example

Break-even expectations differ from company to company and product to product. For example, if your startup is in the business of selling a physical product, investors' and lenders’ expectations will be vastly different than if you were selling software or services.

Some startups have high upfront costs like research and development or production, meaning these startups may take longer to break even. On the other hand, companies with low startup costs or a large untapped market may find themselves in the green much faster.

Tesla is a great example of a company that took well over a decade to break even. The automaker was founded in 2003 but didn’t reach its break-even point until 2018. The length of time it took for Tesla to break even was largely due to its high overhead costs and limited market.

Apple, however, was profitable within just two years. Launching with just one product, the company was able to keep costs low. By the time it launched its second product, the Apple II, an all-in-one, first-of-its-kind personal computer, sales exploded. The next year, Apple was in the green. 

fin-stmnt-qbox

Financial statement examples

Now that we’ve covered everything a startup financial statement contains, let’s take a look at financial statement examples from three pre-IPO stage startups.

Here are a few links to financial statement examples that may be helpful:

  • Here is a balance sheet example for social media startup Clubhouse Media Group
  • Here you can find the income statement for Texas-based biotech startup bioAffinity Technologies
  • Here you can see a cash flow statement example from the Vietnamese automaker startup VinGroup

Keep in mind that these startups are already preparing to go public, so their reports may look different than a pre-seed or seed stage startup.

Ready to get started with your startup’s financial statement? Make a copy of our template to put your best foot forward with potential investors.

Any entrepreneur knows you need to spend money to make money. That’s why it’s so important to have your startup financial statement properly prepared for the best chance of securing a loan.

Once you’ve got your funding, HubSpot for Startups helps you take care of the rest. From software integrations to educational resources, we have everything you need to get your startup off the ground.

Get the template

Tim Berry

Planning, Startups, Stories

Tim berry on business planning, starting and growing your business, and having a life in the meantime., what do business plan financials look like.

People often ask: What do business plan financials look like? You can get away with a sales forecast, spending budget, and cash flow plan. That’s enough for actually running your startup. It’s the essential numbers in a lean business plan.

If you want to do it right you take it further and present projected (also called Pro Forma) versions of the three main business plan financial statements: Income Statement (also called Profit & Loss), Balance Sheet, and Cash Flow. Here’s how they are related to each other:

financial statement business plan example

And here’s another view:

financial statement business plan example

Projected Profit and Loss (also called Income)

This is where you project sales, costs, and expenses; and what’s left over is profits. Here is a general summary , and you might also check out  Your Profits are Way Too High , How to Forecast Sales and Profits Without Just Guessing . Profits are the performance of the business over a specified period of time, like a month, quarter, or year. You project sales , direct costs, and expenses .

Here’s what it looks like in a plan.

financial statement business plan example

Projected Balance Sheet

financial statement business plan example

Projected Cash Flow

The cash flow is the most important, because your business lives on cash, not profits . You can project cash flow using the direct method , or the indirect method . Either way works if you do it right. Here’s an example of what an indirect cash flow projection looks like in a business plan.

financial statement business plan example

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How to Write a Financial Analysis

Know what to include in important section of business plan

Alyssa Gregory is an entrepreneur, writer, and marketer with 20 years of experience in the business world. She is the founder of the Small Business Bonfire, a community for entrepreneurs, and has authored more than 2,500 articles for The Balance and other popular small business websites.

financial statement business plan example

Financial Analysis of a Business Plan

Assumptions, know the ground rules, use visuals, check your math.

The financial analysis section of a business plan should contain the data for financing your business for the present, what will be needed for future growth, and an estimation of your operating expenses.

The financial analysis section of your business plan may be the most challenging for you to complete on your own, but it also could be the deal-maker or deal-breaker when you are searching for funding.

Because of the structured, in-depth financial data required for this section, you should consult your accountant or other trusted and qualified financial professional before writing this section .

The financial analysis section should be based on estimates for new businesses or recent data for established businesses. It should include these elements:

  • Balance sheet : Your assumed and anticipated business financials, including assets , liabilities, and equity.
  • Cash-flow analysis : An overview of the cash you anticipate will be coming into your business based on sales forecasts, minus the anticipated cash expenses of running the business.
  • Profit-and-loss analysis : Your income statement that subtracts the costs of the business from the earnings over a specific period of time, typically a quarter or a year.
  • Break-even analysis : Demonstrates the point when the cost of doing business is fully covered by sales.
  • Personnel-expense forecast : The expenses of your team, as outlined in a management summary section .

Completing a financial analysis section for a business that hasn't been started yet requires some assumptions. However, these aren't guesses. What you expect from the business needs to be based on detailed research and data.

Go back to the other sections of your business plan and write down any financial assumptions you made while drafting those sections. You then can use those assumptions in your financial analysis section. The most important factor is ensuring that the data in the financial analysis section is consistent with the assumptions made in other sections of your business plan.

There may be no section of your business plan where you need help as much as you do with your financial analysis section. The assumptions, forecasting, and specific numbers can be complicated and generally difficult to wrap your head around, especially if you don’t have a financial background. This financial information, though, is exactly the data your audience will be looking for.

You can avoid the stress and uncertainty by getting help from a qualified financial professional early in the process.

When it comes to the financial analysis of your business plan, have a basic idea of what each element should include, where the data comes from, and what the numbers mean. This stands even if you have help developing the financial analysis section because you will be the one left to explain and expand on the financial data in face-to-face situations.

GAAP (generally accepted accounting principles ), a collection of rules, procedures, and conventions that define accepted accounting practices should be followed throughout this section.

Use graphs and charts in the financial analysis section to illustrate the financial data , just as you should in other sections of your business plan that include extensive data, numbers, statistics, and trends. Put the most important visuals in the financial analysis, with the supporting graphics included in the Appendix.

A quick way to lose the attention of a potential investor is by having flawed calculations or numbers that are not backed up. Double and triple check all of your calculations and figures, and have a third-party do the same to ensure everything adds up.

You also should avoid including any figures that are not explained, backed up and otherwise researched extensively, especially when it comes to assumptions you've made. Use data from current and past markets and financial situations to substantiate your numbers.

Financial forecast example for new businesses and startups

The financial forecast is an essential step when creating a business plan. The financial forecast allows you to anticipate the revenues and expenses of your new business over a given period.

Even if the exercise is sometimes delicate to carry out, it is nevertheless essential for any entrepreneur. Indeed, it allows you to define quantified objectives, which, if meticulously tracked, will allow you to grow your business in good conditions.

To help you, here's a financial forecast example as well as tools you can use to create yours. 

financial forecast example for new businesses and startups

Financial forecast examples for new businesses

Example of a sales forecast.

The sales forecast is used to estimate the company's turnover. It is generally presented by category of products and services, types of customers, or time slots.

In our financial forecast example, we have included below a sales forecast for a hostel, organised by categories of services with the bed's occupancy forecast broken down based on seasonality:

financial forecast example for a hostel business lines

To ensure a fair and realistic evaluation of your company's revenues, You will need to base your forecast on thorough and reliable market analysis, including an analysis of what your competition offers. You will also need to think carefully about your pricing policy and distribution strategy beforehand.

Examples of financial statements to include in your forecast

Your forecast will need to include 3 financial statements:

  • The P&L statement
  • The cash flow statement
  • The balance sheet

P&L statement

The profit and loss statement enables you to assess:

  • the growth of the company by analyzing the evolution of the turnover over several years;
  • the profitability of the company by looking at the difference between the expected revenues and the costs which will need to be incurred to generate these sales.

financial forecast example P&L statement

The main shortcoming of the projected income statement is that it does not take into account cash flows. Your profits should turn into cash at some point, but based on when your clients pay you, how much inventory you keep, or when you pay your suppliers, the cash flow could be very different from your profit.

To overcome this shortcoming, we need to look at the forecasted cash flow statement included in our financial forecast example.

Cash flow statement

The cash flow statement shows all anticipated cash movements for a given year.

It enables you to evaluate:

  • the ability to generate operating cash flow;
  • the company's investment and financing policies.

financial forecast example new businesses and startups cashflow

The cash flow statement is highly complementary to the P&L statement. Together they provide a clear view of the company's profitability, the cash generated by the operations, the investments made and the financing flows.

Balance sheet

The forecasted balance sheet, the last link in the chain, provides an overview of the company's net worth at a given moment in time and is part of our financial forecast example. It enables you to evaluate:

  • the value of the company's assets;
  • the weight of its working capital;
  • the level of financial indebtedness;
  • the book value of shareholders' equity.

financial forecast example balance sheet

The forecasted balance sheet complements the other two tables. Nevertheless, it has two weak points:

  • It provides a snapshot of the company's net worth at a specific moment in time - giving a very static view of the company. Especially given the balance sheet is usually produced several months after the end of the financial year (and therefore the information it contains is already stale!)
  • It gives an accounting vision of the company, based on historical cost, and not a financial vision, based on market value.

Where can I find other financial forecast examples?

At The Business Plan Shop, we offer an online software that includes a financial forecasting tool and helps you throughout the drafting of the business plan on top of financial forecast examples included in our business plan templates . 

Using a software like ours to realize your business plan has several advantages:

  • You can easily create your financial forecast by letting the software take care of the calculations and financial aspects for you.
  • You are guided in the drafting process by detailed instructions and examples for each part of the plan.
  • You get a professional document, formatted and ready to be sent to your bank or investors.

If you are interested in our solution, you can try our software for free here .

Our article is coming to an end. We hope that our financial forecast example has given you a better understanding of what this exercise is all about.

The forecast is a crucial element of a business plan that will be of particular interest to your financial partners if you are looking for financing; but don't forget that it is also a mean for you, as an entrepreneur, to evaluate the viability of your new business idea.

Also on The Business Plan Shop

  • How to do financial projections for a new business?
  • How to establish a Profit & Loss forecast in your business plan?
  • How to do a financial forecast for a restaurant?

Guillaume Le Brouster

Founder & CEO at The Business Plan Shop Ltd

Guillaume Le Brouster is a seasoned entrepreneur and financier.

Guillaume has been an entrepreneur for more than a decade and has first-hand experience of starting, running, and growing a successful business.

Prior to being a business owner, Guillaume worked in investment banking and private equity, where he spent most of his time creating complex financial forecasts, writing business plans, and analysing financial statements to make financing and investment decisions.

Guillaume holds a Master's Degree in Finance from ESCP Business School and a Bachelor of Science in Business & Management from Paris Dauphine University.

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Business Plan Financial Projections

  • Written By Dave Lavinsky

Financial Projections for a New and Existing Business

Financial projections are an important part of your business plan. The projections give investors and lenders an idea of how well your business is likely to do in the future. Financial projections include both income statements and balance sheets.

Financial projections are important for a number of reasons. First, they give investors and lenders an idea of how well your business is likely to do in the future. This can help you secure the funding you need to get your business off the ground. Financial projections also help you track your progress over time. You can use them to make sure your business is on track to meet its goals. Finally, financial projections can help you spot potential problems early on, so you can take corrective action.

What Are Business Plan Financial Projections?

Financial projections are an estimate of your company’s future financial performance through financial forecasting. They are typically used by businesses to secure funding, but can also be useful for internal decision-making and planning purposes. There are three main financial statements that you will need to include in your business plan financial projections:

1. Income Statement Projection

The income statement projection is a forecast of your company’s future revenues and expenses. It should include line items for each type of income and expense, as well as a total at the end.

There are a few key items you will need to include in your projection:

  • Revenue: Your revenue projection should break down your expected sales by product or service, as well as by month. It is important to be realistic in your projections, so make sure to account for any seasonal variations in your business.
  • Expenses: Your expense projection should include a breakdown of your expected costs by category, such as marketing, salaries, and rent. Again, it is important to be realistic in your estimates.
  • Net Income: The net income projection is the difference between your revenue and expenses. This number tells you how much profit your company is expected to make.

Sample Income Statement

2. cash flow statement & projection.

The cash flow statement and projection are a forecast of your company’s future cash inflows and outflows. It is important to include a cash flow projection in your business plan, as it will give investors and lenders an idea of your company’s ability to generate cash.

There are a few key items you will need to include in your cash flow projection:

  • The cash flow statement shows a breakdown of your expected cash inflows and outflows by month. It is important to be realistic in your projections, so make sure to account for any seasonal variations in your business.
  • Cash inflows should include items such as sales revenue, interest income, and capital gains. Cash outflows should include items such as salaries, rent, and marketing expenses.
  • It is important to track your company’s cash flow over time to ensure that it is healthy. A healthy cash flow is necessary for a successful business.

Sample Cash Flow Statements

3. balance sheet projection.

The balance sheet projection is a forecast of your company’s future financial position. It should include line items for each type of asset and liability, as well as a total at the end.

A projection should include a breakdown of your company’s assets and liabilities by category. It is important to be realistic in your projections, so make sure to account for any seasonal variations in your business.

It is important to track your company’s financial position over time to ensure that it is healthy. A healthy balance is necessary for a successful business.

Sample Balance Sheet

How to create financial projections.

Creating financial projections for your business plan can be a daunting task, but it’s important to put together accurate and realistic financial projections in order to give your business the best chance for success.  

Cost Assumptions

When you create financial projections, it is important to be realistic about the costs your business will incur, using historical financial data can help with this. You will need to make assumptions about the cost of goods sold, operational costs, and capital expenditures.

It is important to track your company’s expenses over time to ensure that it is staying within its budget. A healthy bottom line is necessary for a successful business.

Capital Expenditures, Funding, Tax, and Balance Sheet Items

You will also need to make assumptions about capital expenditures, funding, tax, and balance sheet items. These assumptions will help you to create a realistic financial picture of your business.

Capital Expenditures

When projecting your company’s capital expenditures, you will need to make a number of assumptions about the type of equipment or property your business will purchase. You will also need to estimate the cost of the purchase.

When projecting your company’s funding needs, you will need to make a number of assumptions about where the money will come from. This might include assumptions about bank loans, venture capital, or angel investors.

When projecting your company’s tax liability, you will need to make a number of assumptions about the tax rates that will apply to your business. You will also need to estimate the amount of taxes your company will owe.

Balance Sheet Items

When projecting your company’s balance, you will need to make a number of assumptions about the type and amount of debt your business will have. You will also need to estimate the value of your company’s assets and liabilities.

Financial Projection Scenarios

Write two financial scenarios when creating your financial projections, a best-case scenario, and a worst-case scenario. Use your list of assumptions to come up with realistic numbers for each scenario.

Presuming that you have already generated a list of assumptions, the creation of best and worst-case scenarios should be relatively simple. For each assumption, generate a high and low estimate. For example, if you are assuming that your company will have $100,000 in revenue, your high estimate might be $120,000 and your low estimate might be $80,000.

Once you have generated high and low estimates for all of your assumptions, you can create two scenarios: a best case scenario and a worst-case scenario. Simply plug the high estimates into your financial projections for the best-case scenario and the low estimates into your financial projections for the worst-case scenario.

Conduct a Ratio Analysis

A ratio analysis is a useful tool that can be used to evaluate a company’s financial health. Ratios can be used to compare a company’s performance to its industry average or to its own historical performance.

There are a number of different ratios that can be used in ratio analysis. Some of the more popular ones include the following:

  • Gross margin ratio
  • Operating margin ratio
  • Return on assets (ROA)
  • Return on equity (ROE)

To conduct a ratio analysis, you will need financial statements for your company and for its competitors. You will also need industry average ratios. These can be found in industry reports or on financial websites.

Once you have the necessary information, you can calculate the ratios for your company and compare them to the industry averages or to your own historical performance. If your company’s ratios are significantly different from the industry averages, it might be indicative of a problem.

Be Realistic

When creating your financial projections, it is important to be realistic. Your projections should be based on your list of assumptions and should reflect your best estimate of what your company’s future financial performance will be. This includes projected operating income, a projected income statement, and a profit and loss statement.

Your goal should be to create a realistic set of financial projections that can be used to guide your company’s future decision-making.

Sales Forecast

One of the most important aspects of your financial projections is your sales forecast. Your sales forecast should be based on your list of assumptions and should reflect your best estimate of what your company’s future sales will be.

Your sales forecast should be realistic and achievable. Do not try to “game” the system by creating an overly optimistic or pessimistic forecast. Your goal should be to create a realistic sales forecast that can be used to guide your company’s future decision-making.

Creating a sales forecast is not an exact science, but there are a number of methods that can be used to generate realistic estimates. Some common methods include market analysis, competitor analysis, and customer surveys.

Create Multi-Year Financial Projections

When creating financial projections, it is important to generate projections for multiple years. This will give you a better sense of how your company’s financial performance is likely to change over time.

It is also important to remember that your financial projections are just that: projections. They are based on a number of assumptions and are not guaranteed to be accurate. As such, you should review and update your projections on a regular basis to ensure that they remain relevant.

Creating financial projections is an important part of any business plan. However, it’s important to remember that these projections are just estimates. They are not guarantees of future success.

Business Plan Financial Projections FAQs

What is a business plan financial projection.

A business plan financial projection is a forecast of your company's future financial performance. It should include line items for each type of asset and liability, as well as a total at the end.

What are annual income statements? 

The Annual income statement is a financial document and a financial model that summarize a company's revenues and expenses over the course of a fiscal year. They provide a snapshot of a company's financial health and performance and can be used to track trends and make comparisons with other businesses.

What are the necessary financial statements?

The necessary financial statements for a business plan are an income statement, cash flow statement, and balance sheet.

How do I create financial projections?

You can create financial projections by making a list of assumptions, creating two scenarios (best case and worst case), conducting a ratio analysis, and being realistic.

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Sample Property Management Business Plan

Growthink.com Property Management Business Plan Template

Writing a business plan is a crucial step in starting a property management business. Not only does it provide structure and guidance for the future, but it also helps to create funding opportunities and attract potential investors. For aspiring property management business owners, having access to a sample property management business plan can be especially helpful in providing direction and gaining insight into how to draft their own property management business plan.

Download our Ultimate Property Management Business Plan Template

Having a thorough business plan in place is critical for any successful property management venture. It will serve as the foundation for your operations, setting out the goals and objectives that will help guide your decisions and actions. A well-written business plan can give you clarity on realistic financial projections and help you secure financing from lenders or investors. A property management business plan example can be a great resource to draw upon when creating your own plan, making sure that all the key components are included in your document.

The property management business plan sample below will give you an idea of what one should look like. It is not as comprehensive and successful in raising capital for your property management as Growthink’s Ultimate Property Management Business Plan Template , but it can help you write a property management business plan of your own.

Example – AssetGuard Properties

Table of contents, executive summary, company overview, industry analysis, customer analysis, competitive analysis, marketing plan, operations plan, management team, financial plan.

AssetGuard Properties is a forward-thinking property management company based in Tulsa, Oklahoma, dedicated to providing top-tier property management services. Our mission is to simplify the property management process for our clients while enhancing the value and profitability of their real estate assets. We specialize in managing residential properties, offering a comprehensive suite of services designed to meet the unique needs of property owners and tenants alike. Our focus on technology and customer service sets us apart in the industry, ensuring efficient operations and high satisfaction rates among clients and tenants. By leveraging our expertise and innovative approaches, we aim to become a leader in the property management sector in Tulsa and beyond.

Our success is built on a foundation of key factors and accomplishments. Firstly, our in-depth understanding of the Tulsa real estate market allows us to provide tailored advice and services to our clients. The implementation of cutting-edge technology for property management has significantly increased our operational efficiency and customer satisfaction. Additionally, our team’s expertise in marketing and customer service has helped us quickly build a robust portfolio of properties. We have established strong relationships with local vendors and contractors, ensuring cost-effective maintenance and repair services. Our proactive approach to obtaining necessary licenses and certifications has positioned us favorably within regulatory frameworks, setting the stage for a successful launch and sustained growth.

The property management industry is experiencing significant growth, driven by increasing demand for residential rental properties and the complexities of managing these assets. The trend towards professional management services among property owners who seek to maximize profitability while minimizing hassles is a key growth driver. In Tulsa, Oklahoma, this trend is mirrored by a robust real estate market with a growing inventory of rental properties. The industry’s competitive landscape is shaped by both large-scale companies and smaller, localized firms offering property management services. AssetGuard Properties is well-positioned to capitalize on these industry dynamics through our focus on customer service, technology integration, and local market expertise.

Our target customers are property owners and investors in the Tulsa area who own one or more residential rental properties. These clients range from individual property owners to real estate investment groups seeking professional management services to optimize their property’s profitability and minimize operational hassles. Our customer analysis has identified a demand for property management services that provide value through efficient operations, effective tenant management, and strategic marketing to keep occupancy rates high. AssetGuard Properties addresses these needs by offering comprehensive management solutions tailored to the unique requirements of each client, ensuring their investment properties are well-managed and profitable.

Top Competitors: PropertyManagePro, RealEstateGuardians, TulsaPropertyMasters.

Competitive Advantages: AssetGuard Properties distinguishes itself through a strong emphasis on technology and customer service, enabling more efficient property management and higher satisfaction among clients and tenants. Our deep understanding of the Tulsa market and our ability to build strong relationships with local vendors also provide us with an edge in offering cost-effective and quality services.

Our marketing plan focuses on highlighting our comprehensive property management services, competitive pricing, and the value we bring to property owners and investors. We offer a range of services from tenant screening to maintenance, all tailored to meet the diverse needs of our clients, ensuring their properties are well-maintained and profitable. Pricing is structured competitively to offer great value while ensuring our services’ sustainability. Promotional strategies include a strategic marketing campaign leveraging both digital (social media, SEO, targeted online ads) and traditional advertising mediums (local newspapers, property investment seminars) to build brand awareness in Tulsa. By demonstrating our expertise and value proposition, we aim to attract and retain a growing base of satisfied clients.

Our operations plan outlines key processes and milestones critical to our success. This includes obtaining all necessary licenses and certifications, launching our business with a strong marketing campaign, and building a portfolio of managed properties. We will implement efficient property management systems and software for seamless operations, recruit and train a skilled team, and strive to achieve a positive cash flow. Milestones include reaching $15,000/month in revenue and establishing strong local vendor relationships. Regularly reviewing and adjusting our business strategy based on performance and market trends will ensure our sustained growth and success in the property management industry.

Our management team comprises seasoned professionals with extensive experience in property management, real estate, and customer service. This diverse expertise ensures that all aspects of our business, from operational efficiency to client relations, are managed with the highest standards of professionalism and integrity. Our team’s leadership is dedicated to fostering a culture of innovation, accountability, and continuous improvement, driving AssetGuard Properties towards achieving its goals and setting new benchmarks in the property management industry.

Welcome to AssetGuard Properties, a new Property Management company serving customers in Tulsa, OK. As a local business, we’re proud to fill the gap in high-quality property management services within the area. Our commitment to excellence and understanding of the local market sets us apart, ensuring that our clients receive the best possible service.

At AssetGuard Properties, our range of services is designed to meet all your property management needs. This includes Property Marketing and Advertising to ensure your property gets the visibility it deserves, Tenant Screening and Placement to find reliable tenants, Rent Collection and Financial Management to streamline your income, Property Maintenance and Repairs to keep your investment in top condition, and Lease Agreement Management to ensure all legalities are properly handled. Our comprehensive services are tailored to maximize your property’s potential while minimizing your stress.

Our base in Tulsa, OK, positions us perfectly to serve local customers with an understanding and appreciation of the community. This local insight enhances our ability to manage properties effectively and respond promptly to both property owners and tenants’ needs.

AssetGuard Properties stands out as a leader in the property management industry for several reasons. Firstly, our founder brings valuable experience from successfully running a property management business, ensuring that we’re built on a foundation of proven strategies and insights. Secondly, our commitment to offering better services than our competition means that we’re always striving to innovate and improve, ensuring our clients receive unparalleled service.

Since our establishment on January 7, 2024, as a Sole Proprietorship, we’ve made significant strides in building our brand. Our achievements include the creation of a distinctive logo, the development of our company name, and securing a prime location for our operations. These accomplishments mark the beginning of our journey towards becoming the leading property management service in Tulsa, OK.

The Property Management industry in the United States is a thriving sector, with a current market size estimated to be around $88 billion. This industry encompasses a wide range of services, including residential and commercial property management, real estate asset management, and maintenance services.

Market research indicates that the Property Management industry is expected to experience steady growth in the coming years. By 2025, the market size is projected to reach $116 billion, driven by factors such as increasing urbanization, growing demand for rental properties, and the rise of property management technology solutions.

Recent trends in the Property Management industry, such as the adoption of cloud-based property management software, the focus on sustainability and energy efficiency in property management practices, and the increasing demand for professional property management services, bode well for AssetGuard Properties. As a new player in the market serving customers in Tulsa, OK, AssetGuard Properties is well-positioned to capitalize on these trends and establish a strong presence in the industry.

Below is a description of our target customers and their core needs.

Target Customers

AssetGuard Properties will target a diverse range of customers, with a primary focus on local residents in need of property management services. This segment includes homeowners who are seeking to rent out their properties but lack the time or expertise to manage them effectively. These customers will benefit from AssetGuard’s comprehensive management solutions, which are designed to maximize rental income while minimizing the hassle and time commitment for property owners.

The company will also cater to real estate investors who own multiple properties or are looking to expand their portfolios within Tulsa. Recognizing the unique needs of this customer segment, AssetGuard Properties will tailor their services to support investors in optimizing the performance of their rental properties. This includes offering market analysis, tenant placement, and maintenance services, all of which will be crucial for investors aiming to achieve high occupancy rates and return on investment.

Another important customer segment for AssetGuard Properties consists of tenants looking for rental properties. By maintaining a portfolio of well-managed and appealing properties, AssetGuard will attract tenants seeking quality rentals in the Tulsa area. The company will ensure tenant satisfaction through responsive customer service and efficient handling of maintenance requests, therefore building a loyal tenant base that contributes to the stability and profitability of the managed properties.

Customer Needs

AssetGuard Properties caters to the needs of residents who prioritize high-quality property management services. These individuals expect responsive and effective management that can promptly address any issues that arise, ensuring their living experience remains comfortable and hassle-free. This includes everything from regular maintenance to emergency repairs, all handled with professionalism and care.

Moreover, AssetGuard Properties understands the importance of clear communication and transparency between property managers and residents. Customers can expect regular updates regarding any changes or developments concerning their residence. This commitment to open dialogue builds trust and ensures that residents are always informed and involved in the management of their homes.

In addition to the basics, AssetGuard Properties also recognizes the evolving needs of modern residents. This includes the integration of technology in property management, offering digital solutions for payment processing, service requests, and communication. Such conveniences cater to the lifestyle of today’s renters, who expect efficiency and modern amenities in their living environments.

AssetGuard Properties’s competitors include the following companies:

Sunstone Property Management offers comprehensive property management services tailored to both residential and commercial properties. Their services range from tenant screening and leasing to maintenance and financial reporting. Sunstone Property Management operates primarily in the Tulsa, OK area, focusing on high-quality residential units and commercial spaces. The company structures its pricing based on the property type and services required, offering competitive rates that appeal to property owners looking for value and quality. Sunstone is known for its efficient use of technology in property management, which enhances communication with property owners and tenants. However, their specialization in high-end properties may limit their appeal to a broader market segment.

Bates & Assoc Realty specializes in real estate sales and property management services, including marketing properties, tenant placement, rent collection, and property maintenance. They cater to residential properties, with a strong presence in the Tulsa, OK region. Their pricing model is competitive, offering tiered services to meet different property owners’ needs. Bates & Assoc Realty generates significant revenue from both property management fees and real estate transactions, indicating a robust and diverse business model. The company boasts a strong local market knowledge, giving them an edge in property valuation and marketing. Nevertheless, their focus on real estate sales alongside property management could dilute their focus and potentially affect the quality of property management services.

PMI Green Country provides a wide array of property management solutions that include residential, commercial, and association management. Their services encompass all aspects of property management, from tenant screening and leasing to maintenance and beyond. PMI Green Country serves the Tulsa, OK area, and its surroundings, catering to a diverse clientele that includes single-family homes, apartment complexes, and commercial properties. They offer a flexible pricing model that adjusts to the size and complexity of the property being managed, making them accessible to a wide range of property owners. PMI Green Country is part of a larger national franchise, which gives them access to a vast network of resources and expertise in property management. However, being part of a national franchise might limit their ability to customize services to the unique needs of the Tulsa market.

Competitive Advantages

At AssetGuard Properties, we pride ourselves on delivering unparalleled property management services, setting us apart from the competition. Our approach is deeply rooted in understanding the unique needs of each property owner and tenant, allowing us to tailor our services for optimal satisfaction. We leverage the latest technology to streamline operations, from maintenance requests to rent collection, ensuring efficiency and convenience for all parties involved. This commitment to excellence and innovation in service delivery not only enhances the value of the properties we manage but also fosters a sense of trust and reliability among our clients.

Furthermore, our team comprises seasoned professionals with extensive knowledge and experience in the real estate and property management industry. This expertise enables us to offer insightful advice and strategic solutions that maximize returns and minimize risks for property owners. Additionally, our strong local presence in Tulsa, OK, equips us with an in-depth understanding of the market dynamics, allowing us to position properties advantageously. By choosing AssetGuard Properties, clients can expect a partnership that not only elevates their property management experience but also contributes significantly to their investment’s success. Our dedication to excellence, combined with our competitive edge in service quality and market intelligence, makes us the preferred choice for property management needs.

Our marketing plan, included below, details our products/services, pricing and promotions plan.

Products and Services

At AssetGuard Properties, we understand the value of your real estate investment and the importance of maintaining its integrity and profitability. We offer a comprehensive suite of property management services designed to alleviate the burden from property owners, ensuring their assets are well-managed and lucrative. Our services cater to all aspects of property management, from marketing and tenant placement to maintenance and financial oversight.

Our Property Marketing and Advertising service ensures your property doesn’t stay vacant for long. We employ a blend of traditional and digital marketing strategies to attract a wide pool of potential tenants. By showcasing your property in its best light, we aim to secure reliable tenants swiftly. This service is priced at an average of $250, which includes listing your property on top real estate websites, social media platforms, and conducting open houses.

Tenant Screening and Placement is another critical service we offer. Finding the right tenant is paramount to a stress-free property management experience. Our comprehensive screening process includes background checks, credit checks, employment verification, and previous landlord references. This rigorous process ensures that only the most qualified tenants occupy your property. For this invaluable peace of mind, our clients can expect to invest around $100 per tenant screening.

Rent Collection and Financial Management are essential to maintaining the cash flow of your investment. We provide a streamlined process for tenants to pay their rent, reducing late payments and ensuring consistent revenue. Additionally, we offer detailed financial reporting for property owners, including income statements and expense reports. This service is available for an average fee of 8-10% of the monthly rent collected, ensuring that your financial interests are expertly managed.

Property Maintenance and Repairs are inevitable in property management. Our goal is to preserve the value of your property through regular maintenance and prompt, efficient repair work when necessary. We have established relationships with trusted contractors and service providers to ensure quality work at competitive prices. The cost for this service varies depending on the nature of the maintenance or repair but expect to pay a management fee of 10-15% on top of the actual repair costs.

Lastly, Lease Agreement Management is vital to ensure that the terms of the lease are upheld by both parties. We handle everything from lease drafting to enforcement, including renewals and terminations. Our expertise in local real estate laws ensures that your lease agreements are comprehensive and compliant. This service is offered at a flat rate of $200 per lease agreement, providing peace of mind that all legal and procedural bases are covered.

At AssetGuard Properties, we pride ourselves on being a full-service property management solution that meets the diverse needs of property owners in Tulsa, OK. Our competitive pricing, combined with our commitment to excellence, makes us the ideal partner for your property management needs.

Promotions Plan

AssetGuard Properties harnesses the power of online marketing to attract customers, utilizing a multifaceted approach to ensure visibility and engagement. The company will deploy a robust digital marketing strategy, incorporating search engine optimization (SEO) to improve their website’s ranking on search engine results pages. This ensures that when potential customers in Tulsa, OK, search for property management services, AssetGuard Properties appears prominently.

Social media platforms will also play a crucial role in their promotional efforts. AssetGuard Properties will create and maintain active profiles on major social networks, including Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn. Through these channels, the company will share valuable content, property listings, and customer testimonials to build a community and engage directly with potential clients. Paid advertising campaigns on these platforms will target specific demographics, ensuring that promotional materials reach those most likely to require property management services.

Email marketing campaigns will further bolster AssetGuard Properties’ promotional activities. By gathering email addresses through their website and social media channels, the company will send out newsletters, special offers, and updates about new listings or services. This direct line of communication will keep the company top-of-mind for current and potential clients.

Beyond digital efforts, AssetGuard Properties will engage in local community events and sponsorships. Participation in local fairs, property expos, and community gatherings will increase brand visibility and allow for face-to-face interaction with potential customers. Sponsorship of local sports teams or events can also enhance their reputation as a community-oriented business.

Referral programs will incentivize existing clients to refer friends and family, creating a word-of-mouth marketing channel that can be highly effective in building trust and expanding the customer base. Offering discounts or other benefits for successful referrals will motivate current clients to share their positive experiences with others.

In summary, AssetGuard Properties will employ a comprehensive promotional strategy that combines online marketing with community engagement and referral programs. By leveraging the power of SEO, social media, email marketing, local events, and referral incentives, AssetGuard Properties aims to attract and retain customers in Tulsa, OK, establishing itself as a leading property management service in the area.

Our Operations Plan details:

  • The key day-to-day processes that our business performs to serve our customers
  • The key business milestones that our company expects to accomplish as we grow

Key Operational Processes

To ensure the success of AssetGuard Properties, there are several key day-to-day operational processes that we will perform.

  • Maintain open and effective communication channels with property owners and tenants to address any concerns, requests, or feedback in a timely manner.
  • Conduct regular inspections of managed properties to ensure they are in good condition and comply with local housing standards and regulations.
  • Coordinate maintenance and repair work by hiring and overseeing reliable contractors, ensuring that work is completed satisfactorily and within budget.
  • Manage financial operations, including rent collection, payment of bills and taxes, and generating monthly financial reports for property owners.
  • Advertise and market vacant properties through various channels to minimize vacancy periods and attract suitable tenants.
  • Screen potential tenants by conducting background and credit checks to ensure they meet the rental criteria.
  • Handle lease agreements, renewals, and terminations, ensuring all documentation is accurate and legally compliant.
  • Provide exceptional customer service to both property owners and tenants to build and maintain positive relationships.
  • Stay informed about local real estate market trends and property laws to offer knowledgeable advice and services to clients.
  • Implement efficient property management software to streamline operations, from tenant screening to maintenance requests and financial reporting.

AssetGuard Properties expects to complete the following milestones in the coming months in order to ensure its success:

  • Obtain Necessary Licenses and Certifications : Secure all required local, state, and federal licenses for operating a property management business in Tulsa, OK. This includes any specific property management or real estate broker licenses that may be required by Oklahoma law.
  • Launch Our Property Management Business : Officially launch AssetGuard Properties with a strategic marketing campaign to build awareness in the Tulsa area. This includes developing a strong brand identity, creating an engaging website, and utilizing social media and local advertising to reach potential clients.
  • Build a Robust Property Portfolio : Acquire a portfolio of properties to manage that will generate consistent revenue. This involves networking with property owners, real estate agents, and investors to showcase the value AssetGuard Properties can bring to their investments.
  • Implement Efficient Operational Systems : Develop and implement efficient property management systems and software that will allow for effective management of properties, including tenant screening, lease management, maintenance requests, and financial reporting. This will ensure high customer satisfaction and operational efficiency.
  • Hire and Train Qualified Staff : Recruit and train a team of professionals with expertise in property management, customer service, and maintenance. This ensures that all properties are managed effectively and that tenants and property owners receive high-quality service.
  • Achieve a Positive Cash Flow : Focus on reaching operational efficiency and financial stability by achieving a positive cash flow. This involves managing expenses carefully while growing the revenue base by increasing the number of managed properties and possibly adjusting the fee structure to remain competitive yet profitable.
  • Get to $15,000/Month in Revenue : Implement strategies to grow monthly revenue to at least $15,000. This could involve expanding the property portfolio, optimizing the fee structure for services provided, and seeking additional revenue streams related to property management such as maintenance and renovation services.
  • Establish Strong Relationships with Local Vendors and Contractors : Build a network of reliable and cost-effective local vendors and contractors for maintenance and repair services. This will help in managing operational costs effectively and ensuring quick and quality service to the managed properties.
  • Implement a Customer Feedback Loop : Develop a system for collecting and analyzing feedback from both property owners and tenants. Use this feedback to continually improve service offerings and customer satisfaction, which in turn will help in retaining clients and attracting new ones through positive word-of-mouth.
  • Review and Adjust Business Strategy : Regularly review the business performance against set goals and industry trends. Be prepared to adjust the business strategy, marketing efforts, and operational processes based on performance data, customer feedback, and changing market conditions to ensure sustained growth and success.

AssetGuard Properties management team, which includes the following members, has the experience and expertise to successfully execute on our business plan:

Kaylee Richardson, CEO

Kaylee Richardson, CEO, brings a wealth of experience to AssetGuard Properties, underpinned by a proven track record in the property management sector. With an entrepreneurial spirit, Kaylee has previously demonstrated her capability by successfully running a property management business. Her expertise not only lies in managing and scaling businesses effectively but also in understanding the intricacies of the real estate market and customer needs. Kaylee’s leadership is expected to drive AssetGuard Properties towards achieving its vision by leveraging her strategic thinking, operational excellence, and commitment to service quality.

To reach our growth goals, AssetGuard Properties requires initial funding to cover startup costs, operational expenses, and marketing initiatives. This investment will enable us to quickly establish our brand, build a strong property portfolio, and achieve operational efficiency. Our financial projections indicate that with the right level of funding, we can reach our revenue targets, achieve a positive cash flow within the first year of operations, and sustain long-term growth. Our plan outlines a clear path to profitability, ensuring a solid return on investment for our financial backers.

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Jeremy Hunt

Budget 2024: key points at a glance

Jeremy Hunt has announced his financial update – here are the main points, with political analysis

  • Politics live: latest news and reaction on UK budget
  • Hunt announces 2p cut in national insurance

Hunt’s opening remarks

Jeremy Hunt says the UK economy has dealt with the financial crisis, the pandemic and energy crisis caused by war in Europe. He acknowledges that interest rates “remain high as we bring down inflation”, but adds: “We can now help families not just with cost of living support but with permanent cuts in taxation.” He calls it a “budget for long term growth”.

Peter Walker, deputy political editor: Anyone who had forgotten this is an election year will have been reminded after Hunt launched into an overtly political opening section, which criticised Labour’s supposed spending plans before he set out even one of his own.

National insurance

Hunt confirms that the national insurance contribution rate will be cut from 10% to 8% of pay from April.

This comes on top of a 2p cut in the autumn statement in November, which reduced the rate from 12% to 10%.

It is estimated that the 2p cut to national insurance would be worth about £450 a year for someone on a £35,000 full-time salary.

PW: This is the worst-kept fiscal secret in Westminster, as briefed and reported more or less everywhere. It will be popular with Tory MPs – but the same ruse was tried in the autumn statement, and did not shift the polls at all. Hunt says the “long-term ambition” is to cut it further when possible.

Hunt says the economy is expected to grow by 0.8% this year and 1.9% in 2025. That is slightly stronger than the 0.7% and 1.4% growth rate expected by the Office for Budget Responsibility at the time of the autumn statement in November.

Growth is then forecast to be 2% in 2026 before dipping to 1.8% and 1.7% in 2027 and 2028.

PW: For all that successive fiscal statements have been billed as a “budget for growth”, even these forecasts are fairly anaemic, and unlikely to instil new hope in Tory MPs facing electoral defeat. This is the big, and perhaps insurmountable, challenge the government faces.

Inflation is expected to fall below the government’s 2% target in “just a few months’ time”, Hunt says, down from 4% in January. “Nearly a whole year earlier than forecast in the autumn statement,” he adds.

The Bank of England’s long-term target is to keep inflation at a “low and stable” 2%.

The figure is down sharply from a peak of 11.1% in October 2022, as food and energy prices have eased.

PW: Inflation is something of a rare political safe zone for Hunt and Sunak, given it looks like the only one of the PM’s five pledges to be met. Falling inflation is also something that you don’t need a focus group to realise it will be welcomed by voters, whoever gets the credit.

Government borrowing

Hunt says underlying debt, which excludes Bank of England debt, will be 91.7% of GDP in 2024-25 according to the OBR, then 92.8%, 93.2%, 93.2% before falling to 92.9% in 2028-29. “We continue to have the second lowest level of government debt in the G7, lower than Japan, France or the US,” he adds.

Hunt says borrowing falls from 4.2% of GDP in 2023-24, to 3.1%, 2.7%, 2.3%, 1.6% and 1.2% in 2028-29. “By the end of the forecast, borrowing is at its lowest level of GDP since 2001,” he adds.

PW: Election looming, anyone? Hunt’s section on borrowing and debt is launched with an attack not just on Labour but also the Liberal Democrats. It is not a coincidence that Hunt faces a very strong Lib Dem challenge to keep his Surrey constituency.

Public services

The chancellor has kept a 1% increase in day-to-day public spending above inflation, despite speculation it would be cut to just 0.75%.

Military spending will rise to 2.5% of GDP “as soon as economic conditions allow”, Hunt says. It is now at 2% of GDP.

PW: In talking about public services, Hunt faces the problem experienced by Rishi Sunak at every prime minister’s questions – he has to argue they are performing well, when more or less every voter in the UK disagrees. Arguing that the solution is not about money but “a more productive state” might cheer some Tory MPs and thinktanks, but is always easier to say than deliver.

Hunt announces a “landmark public sector productivity plan” will be published today, including cutting form filling by doctors using AI, digitising hospital processes and improving the NHS app. He adds: “We need a more productive state, not a bigger state.”

“I want this groundbreaking agreement with the NHS to be a model for all our public services” including education, the police, courts and public government, Hunt says. In the next spending review, the Treasury will prioritise applications for money from departments that show potential savings for the public purse in the long term.

PW: The idea of a “paperless” NHS is also by no means new, although it seems Hunt is pledging some extra money to make it more efficient.

Child benefit

Hunt announces a consultation on child benefit rules, to apply it to collective household incomes rather than for individuals from April 2026. He says the threshold will be for a high income tax charge on the benefit will be raised from £50,000 to £60,000. The top of a taper to withdraw the benefit will be raised to £80,000 from £60,000 at the moment.

The household support fund, introduced by the government in 2021 to help families struggling with the cost of living, has been extended by six months.

PW: This is another tweak that will help higher earners, but Hunt will know from fellow Tory MPs – and probably from some constituents – that the thresholds for child benefit, which used to be universal, can cause some angst, as well as confusion.

Hunt says rates paid to nurseries to fund free childcare hours for parents of children aged more than nine months will continue for the next two years. The payments have become worth less to nurseries in recent years as inflation has risen sharply, cutting into childcare providers’ budgets. Hunt says the move will allow an extra 60,000 parents enter the workforce in the next four years.

PW: The seemingly serious wobbles faced by the government’s 30-hour free childcare offer for younger children has unsettled quite a few Tory MPs, who fear it will cause chaos if it doesn’t work. Hunt promises more support – but is vague as to what, and how much.

Non-dom tax status

The chancellor confirms non-dom tax status will be “abolished” and replaced by a “modern, simpler and fairer” system from April 2025. The status is enjoyed by people who live in the UK but who have certain overseas links – often determined by whether their father was born abroad. The status means they pay UK tax on money earned here, but not on their worldwide income. After four years, those coming to the UK will pay the same tax as other UK residents.

PW: This was billed in advance, but is still politically extraordinary. Downing Street has either defended non-domiciled tax status – as enjoyed by Sunak’s wife – or tried to not talk about it. Now it is being abolished, if replaced with a new system that still gives some benefits. The key aim here is to spike Labour’s guns – this was one of Keir Starmer and Rachel Reeves’s few outlined fiscal plans. Did I mention an election was coming?

Property tax

Hunt says the government will reduce the higher rate of property capital gains tax from 28% to 24%.

He also announces the abolition of stamp duty relief for those buying more than one dwelling.

PW: For all Hunt’s insistence this will bring in more overall revenue, reducing a tax aimed at higher-rate earners can be very easily painted by Labour as a break for richer people – and richer second-home owners.

Holiday lets

Hunt confirms plans to scrap the furnished holiday lets regime. The initiative gives tax reliefs on properties being rented out to holidaymakers and make renting out to holidaymakers more profitable than to long-term tenants. The move is expected to raise £300m a year for the Treasury.

PW: Another relatively minor tax change which taps into what appears to be genuine public sentiment – in this case, worries about how the rapid growth of the Airbnb economy risks hollowing out some holiday-dominated communities.

Hunt confirms widely expected plans for a “vaping products levy” to be paid on imports by manufacturers, specifically on the liquid in vapes. It will be introduced in October 2026.

The move is an attempt to discourage children from buying the products. It is expected to raise £500m by 2028/29. A one-off increase in tobacco duty is also announced.

Alcohol and fuel duty

Alcohol duty was due to rise by 3% from August but Hunt said it will be frozen until February 2025, benefiting 38,000 pubs across the UK. The government is “backing the great British pub”, Hunt says.

Hunt said he would freeze fuel duty at its current level for another year, as expected. The levy should rise in line with inflation but this has not happened since 2011.

A 5p cut to fuel duty, which was introduced in 2022 and is due to run out this month, has been extended.

PW: An increasingly common aspect of recent budgets has been chancellors extending supposedly “temporary” freezes, allowing them to repeat the same good news at every budget or statement. Hence alcohol and fuel duties are not changed. The latter is announced with slightly half-hearted “plan for drivers” rhetoric by the chancellor, plus the now-mandatory shout-out for the Sun.

Hunt announces a new “British Isa”, giving investors a £5,000 extra tax-free allowance to “encourage more people to invest in UK assets”.

Hunt says a new British Savings Bond will launched in April, delivered by the state-owned National Savings and Investments. It will offer a guaranteed rate, fixed for three years.

PW: One of the many elements of this budget briefed in advance, this will be welcomed, but thus far is another fairly minor tweak, politically speaking.

Windfall tax and energy

Hunt extends the windfall tax on the profits of North Sea oil and gas companies by a year, raising an expected £1.5bn. It was introduced in May 2022 after Russia’s full-scale invasion of Ukraine sent gas prices soaring, feeding through to producers’ profits. It was due to end in March 2028, but will now conclude in 2029.

​​The chancellor confirms the government will spend £160m on two nuclear sites. The first, on the island of Anglesey or Ynys Môn, is the Wylfa facility in north Wales. It is owned by Japan’s Hitachi. The government hopes to find a partner to develop a nuclear power station there. The Oldbury site in South Gloucestershire is also part of the agreement.

He allocates £120m for green industries to develop technologies including offshore windfarms and carbon capture and storage projects.

PW: What Hunt describes as “clean energy” is focused on nuclear, which some might quibble with. But with the Conservatives badly split on where – or if – to build onshore wind and solar farms, nuclear is about as safe as it gets, politically.

The government will spend £26.4m on the National Theatre to upgrade its stages.

Independent films with a budget of less than £15m will receive a new tax credit.

The Treasury will also provide eligible film studios in England with 40% relief on their gross business rates until 2034.

PW: Such announcements are, in fiscal terms, small change down the back of the sofa, but do resonate. Plus, as Hunt noted, the creative industries are disproportionately important to the UK economy. This section also allowed the chancellor to make a lightly limp joke about Rachel Reeves, the shadow chancellor, “who seems to fancy her thespian skills when it comes to acting like a Tory”.

Other measures

Hunt says he plans to allow full expensing to apply to leased assets. Full expensing allows businesses to offset investment in items such as new factory machinery and IT equipment against tax.

He adds that the VAT registration threshold will be increased from £85,000 to £90,000 from the start of April, saying it would help “tens of thousands of businesses”.

He confirms that the government plans to sell a chunk of shares in NatWest bank in the summer. The bank was bailed out during the financial crisis to the tune of £45.5bn to help save the UK’s financial system from collapse. The state’s remaining one-third share in the bank is now worth about £7bn. “I want to create opportunities for a new generation of retail investors to engage with public markets,” Hunt says.

Hunt announces that AstraZeneca – the pharmaceutical company behind the Covid vaccine developed by Oxford University – plans to invest £650m in the UK to expand its footprint on the Cambridge Biomedical Campus and fund the building of a vaccine manufacturing hub in Speke in Liverpool.

The chancellor makes a one-off adjustment air passenger duty (APD) on non-economy flights. APD on premium economy and business class flights will be hiked by more than 10% next year. It will add £66 in tax to a London-New York flight in business class, up to £647, from April 2025. APD on a premium economy seat will rise £22 to £216 on a transatlantic flight, or from £26 to £28 on a short-haul flight.

PW: It is notable that Hunt announces both a tax break for smaller businesses, and efforts to address what he calls “historic under investment” – a concession that many voters believe the UK’s infrastructure is somewhat crumbling. There is even a slightly retro shout-out for “levelling up”.

  • Budget 2024 (spring)
  • Jeremy Hunt

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COMMENTS

  1. Business Plan Financial Templates

    This financial plan projections template comes as a set of pro forma templates designed to help startups. The template set includes a 12-month profit and loss statement, a balance sheet, and a cash flow statement for you to detail the current and projected financial position of a business. Download Startup Financial Projections Template.

  2. How to Write the Financial Section of a Business Plan

    Use the numbers that you put in your sales forecast, expense projections, and cash flow statement. "Sales, lest cost of sales, is gross margin," Berry says. "Gross margin, less expenses, interest ...

  3. Financial Statements for Business Plans and Startup

    Include Financial Statements in Your Business Plan. You will need a complete startup business plan to take to a bank or other business lender. The financial statements are a key part of this plan. Give the main points in the executive summary and include all the statements in the financial section. 09 of 09.

  4. Business Planning & Financial Statements Template Gallery

    Template: Business Model Canvas. If writing a full business plan seems overwhelming, start with a one-page Business Model Canvas. Developed by Founder and CEO of Strategyzer, Alexander Osterwalder, it can be used to easily document your business concept. Download this template to fill out the nine squares focusing on the different building ...

  5. How to Write a Financial Plan: Budget and Forecasts

    Financial plan templates and tools. Download and use these free financial templates and calculators to easily create your own financial plan. Download a free detailed sales forecast spreadsheet, with built-in formulas, to easily estimate your first full year of monthly sales. Get a full financial picture of your business with LivePlan's simple ...

  6. How to Prepare a Financial Plan for Startup Business (w/ example)

    Revenue - Expenses = Profit / Loss. Consider it as a snapshot of your business that shows the feasibility of your business idea. An income statement can be generated considering three scenarios: worst, expected, and best. Your income or P&L statement must list the following: Cost of goods or cost of sale.

  7. Write your business plan

    Executive summary. Briefly tell your reader what your company is and why it will be successful. Include your mission statement, your product or service, and basic information about your company's leadership team, employees, and location. You should also include financial information and high-level growth plans if you plan to ask for financing.

  8. Business Plan Essentials: Writing the Financial Plan

    For your business plan, you should create a pro forma balance sheet that summarizes the information in the income statement and cash flow projections. A business typically prepares a balance sheet once a year. Download the Sample Balance Sheet Template. Once your balance sheet is complete, write a brief analysis for each of the three financial ...

  9. Small Business Financial Plans

    A small business financial plan is an outline of the financial status of your business, including income statements, balance sheets, and cash flow information. A financial plan can help guide a small business toward sustainable growth. Financial plans can aid in business goal setting and metrics tracking, as well as provide proof of profitable ...

  10. Guide to Writing a Financial Plan for a Business

    Balance Sheet. The balance sheet portion of the financial plan aims to give an idea of what the business will be worth, considering all its assets and liabilities, at a future date. To do this, it uses figures from the income statement and cash flow statement. The essence of a balance sheet is found in the equation: Liabilities + Equity = Assets.

  11. Financial Section of Business Plan

    Generally, the financial section is one of the last sections in a business plan. It describes a business's historical financial state (if applicable) and future financial projections. Businesses include supporting documents such as budgets and financial statements, as well as funding requests in this section of the plan. The financial part of ...

  12. Financial Statements for Small Businesses: Tips & Samples

    Financial statements can help to show business activity and financial performance. They are required for audits and are often used for tax, financing or investing purposes. Financial statements are broken down into three main items: a current balance sheet, a profit and loss (P&L) statement, and a cash flow statement.

  13. Financial Statements for Your Business Plan

    Our financial statements template for profit and loss will help you learn the key concepts. Balance Sheet: This financial statement template will help you show the value of the company's assets, liabilities and owner's equity. Key equation: Assets = Liabilities + Owner's Equity. Additionally, when creating your sample balance sheet ...

  14. 4 Key Financial Statements For Your Startup Business Plan

    An example of a Balance Sheet forecast (source: Gym financial model template) Financial Statement #4: Use of Funds. The use of funds is not a mandatory financial statement your accountant will need to prepare every year. Instead, you shall include it in your startup business plan, along with the 3 key financial statements.

  15. Writing Business Plan Financials? Include These 3 Statements

    Business plan financials is the section of your business plan that outlines your past, current and projected financial state. This section includes all the numbers and hard data you'll need to plan for your business's future, and to make your case to potential investors. You will need to include supporting financial documents and any ...

  16. Pro Forma Business Plan Template & Financial Statements

    Pro Forma Income Statements for a Business Plan. Pro forma statements for a business plan can take many different forms, but they all typically include information on sales forecasts, expenses, capital expenditure plans, and funding requirements. A pro forma statement that is included in a business plan template should also include financial ...

  17. 4 Steps to Creating a Financial Plan for Your Small Business

    Whether the business is starting from scratch or modifying its plan, the best financial plans include the following elements: Income statement: The income statement reports the business's net profit or loss over a specific period of time, such a month, quarter or year.

  18. PDF BUSINESS FINANCIAL PLAN

    BUSINESS FINANCIAL PLAN 1. FINANCIAL OVERVIEW 2. ASSUMPTIONS. Page 2 3. KEY FINANCIAL INDICATORS AND RATIOS . Page 3 4. ... 5.1 PRO FORMA PROFIT AND LOSS STATEMENT . Page 5 5.2 PRO FORMA CASH FLOW STATEMENT . Page 6 5.3 PRO FORMA BALANCE SHEET . Page 7 DISCLAIMER Any articles, templates, or information provided by Smartsheet on the website are ...

  19. HubSpot for Startups Financial Statement Template

    These statements are vital when building a financial plan for startup businesses. 1. Balance Sheet. A balance sheet is an overview of what the company owns, owes, and the total amount of shareholder equity. There are three primary components of a balance sheet: assets, liabilities, and owner's equity. Assets include:

  20. What Do Business Plan Financials Look Like

    Free business plan template. A fill-in-the-blank template designed for business owners. Download Now. Sample Plans. ... If you want to do it right you take it further and present projected (also called Pro Forma) versions of the three main business plan financial statements: Income Statement (also called Profit & Loss), Balance Sheet, and Cash ...

  21. The Financial Analysis for a Small Business Plan

    Financial Analysis of a Business Plan. The financial analysis section should be based on estimates for new businesses or recent data for established businesses. It should include these elements: Balance sheet: Your assumed and anticipated business financials, including assets, liabilities, and equity. Cash-flow analysis: An overview of the cash ...

  22. Financial forecast example for new businesses and startups

    The financial forecast is an essential step when creating a business plan. The financial forecast allows you to anticipate the revenues and expenses of your new business over a given period. ... Examples of financial statements to include in your forecast. Your forecast will need to include 3 financial statements: The P&L statement ;

  23. Business Plan Financial Projections

    Business Plan Financial Projections. Financial projections are an important part of your business plan. The projections give investors and lenders an idea of how well your business is likely to do in the future. Financial projections include both income statements and balance sheets. Financial projections are important for a number of reasons.

  24. Sample Property Management Business Plan

    The property management business plan sample below will give you an idea of what one should look like. It is not as comprehensive and successful in raising capital for your property management as Growthink's Ultimate Property Management Business Plan Template, but it can help you write a property management business plan of your own.

  25. Budget 2024: key points at a glance

    Hunt says the economy is expected to grow by 0.8% this year and 1.9% in 2025. That is slightly stronger than the 0.7% and 1.4% growth rate expected by the Office for Budget Responsibility at the ...